North Carolina Central University vs. University of Houston-Downtown

Comparable Facts

Compare North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC with University of Houston Downtown in Houston, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Houston Downtown is larger than North Carolina Central University based on total student enrollment (13,730 students vs. 8,579 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Carolina Central University is located in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting); University of Houston Downtown is in Houston, TX (Large City setting).
• North Carolina Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Houston Downtown is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Carolina Central University 16:1; University of Houston Downtown 18:1.

North Carolina Central University vs. University of Houston-Downtown Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Carolina Central University or University of Houston-Downtown? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Houston Downtown than North Carolina Central University ($10,832 vs. $14,475).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Houston Downtown are 24.3% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($10,176 vs. $13,450).
• University of Houston Downtown is 15.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $1,009 more per year; $7,708.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.5% higher at North Carolina Central University than at University of Houston Downtown (about $2,187 more per year; $19,735.00 vs. $17,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Carolina Central University than at University of Houston Downtown (87% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Carolina Central University students is 17% larger than aid received by University of Houston Downtown students ($11,999 vs. $10,257).

North Carolina Central University vs. University of Houston-Downtown Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, North Carolina Central University or University of Houston-Downtown? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between University of Houston-Downtown and North Carolina Central University.

• University of Houston Downtown reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at North Carolina Central University (1040) is 10 points higher than at University of Houston-Downtown (1030).
• Incoming University of Houston-Downtown students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (19 vs. 17 at North Carolina Central University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: North Carolina Central University 980/1100; University of Houston Downtown 940/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: North Carolina Central University 17/18; University of Houston Downtown 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Carolina Central University - Test optional; University of Houston-Downtown - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027; University of Houston-Downtown Jun 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman University of Houston-Downtown students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.29) than students at North Carolina Central University (3.27).
• University of Houston-Downtown has a higher acceptance rate (90%) than North Carolina Central University (87%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at North Carolina Central University vs. 20% at University of Houston-Downtown.

North Carolina Central University vs. University of Houston-Downtown Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Carolina Central University and University of Houston-Downtown? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• North Carolina Central University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than University of Houston Downtown's (15%).
• Graduates from University of Houston Downtown earn a median of about $12,200 more per year than North Carolina Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,400 vs. $35,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Houston Downtown graduates have a $12,250 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central University graduates ($18,750 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Houston-Downtown graduates have an estimated $127 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Carolina Central University graduates ($193 vs. $320).
• More University of Houston-Downtown graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Carolina Central University students, three years after graduation. (41% vs. 23%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.