North Carolina Central University vs. WSSU

Comparable Facts

Compare North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC with Winston Salem State University in Winston-Salem, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

North Carolina Central University is larger than WSSU based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 4,782 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Carolina Central University is located in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting); Winston Salem State University is in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting).
• North Carolina Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Winston Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Carolina Central University 16:1; Winston Salem State University 15:1.

North Carolina Central University vs. WSSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Carolina Central University or WSSU? 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 Winston Salem State University than North Carolina Central University ($12,989 vs. $14,475).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Winston Salem State University are 14.6% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($11,484 vs. $13,450).
• North Carolina Central University is 9.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSSU (about $573 more per year; $6,699.00 vs. $6,126.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.6% higher at North Carolina Central University than at Winston Salem State University (about $2,953 more per year; $19,735.00 vs. $16,782.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Winston Salem State University than at North Carolina Central University (91% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Carolina Central University students is 19.3% larger than aid received by Winston Salem State University students ($11,999 vs. $10,057).

North Carolina Central University vs. WSSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, North Carolina Central University or WSSU? 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 WSSU and North Carolina Central University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at North Carolina Central University (1040) is 110 points higher than at WSSU (930).
• Incoming North Carolina Central University students have the same typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate; 17) as students at WSSU (17).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: North Carolina Central University 980/1100; Winston Salem State University 830/1020.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: North Carolina Central University 17/18; Winston Salem State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Carolina Central University - Test optional; WSSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027; WSSU Feb 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman North Carolina Central University students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.27) than students at WSSU (3.01).
• North Carolina Central University has a higher acceptance rate (87%) than WSSU (78.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at North Carolina Central University vs. 13.1% at WSSU.

North Carolina Central University vs. WSSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Carolina Central University and WSSU? 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.

• Winston Salem State University's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than North Carolina Central University's (38%).
• Graduates from Winston Salem State University earn a median of about $500 more per year than North Carolina Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($35,700 vs. $35,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Winston Salem State University graduates have a $5,337 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central University graduates ($25,663 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, WSSU graduates have an estimated $55 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Carolina Central University graduates ($265 vs. $320).
• More WSSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Carolina Central University students, three years after graduation. (33% 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.