North Carolina Central University vs. University of South Carolina-Upstate

Comparable Facts

Compare North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC with University of South Carolina Upstate in Spartanburg, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

North Carolina Central University is larger than University of South Carolina-Upstate based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 4,916 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Carolina Central University is located in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting); University of South Carolina Upstate is in Spartanburg, SC (Midsize Suburban setting).
• North Carolina Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of South Carolina Upstate is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Carolina Central University 16:1; University of South Carolina Upstate 15:1.

North Carolina Central University vs. University of South Carolina-Upstate Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Carolina Central University or University of South Carolina-Upstate? 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 South Carolina Upstate than North Carolina Central University ($13,999 vs. $14,475).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Carolina Upstate are 21.7% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($10,533 vs. $13,450).
• University of South Carolina Upstate is 73% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $4,889 more per year; $11,588.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17% higher at University of South Carolina-Upstate than at North Carolina Central University (about $3,355 more per year; $23,090.00 vs. $19,735.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of South Carolina Upstate than at North Carolina Central University (97% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Carolina Central University students is 11.9% larger than aid received by University of South Carolina Upstate students ($11,999 vs. $10,719).

North Carolina Central University vs. University of South Carolina-Upstate Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, North Carolina Central University or University of South Carolina-Upstate? 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 South Carolina-Upstate and North Carolina Central University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at University of South Carolina Upstate (1090) is 50 points higher than at North Carolina Central University (1040).
• Incoming University of South Carolina-Upstate students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (23 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 South Carolina Upstate 1005/1175.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: North Carolina Central University 17/18; University of South Carolina Upstate 21/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Carolina Central University - Test optional; University of South Carolina-Upstate - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman North Carolina Central University students have a 0.74 point higher average high school GPA (3.27) than students at University of South Carolina-Upstate (2.53).
• North Carolina Central University has a higher acceptance rate (87%) than University of South Carolina-Upstate (67.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at North Carolina Central University vs. 24% at University of South Carolina-Upstate.

North Carolina Central University vs. University of South Carolina-Upstate Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Carolina Central University and University of South Carolina-Upstate? 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.

• University of South Carolina Upstate's six-year graduation rate (39%) is higher than North Carolina Central University's (38%).
• Graduates from University of South Carolina Upstate earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than North Carolina Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,300 vs. $35,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of South Carolina Upstate graduates have a $8,500 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central University graduates ($22,500 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, University of South Carolina-Upstate graduates have an estimated $88 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Carolina Central University graduates ($232 vs. $320).
• More University of South Carolina-Upstate graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Carolina Central University students, three years after graduation. (55% 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.