Southwest Minnesota State University vs. North Carolina Central University

Comparable Facts

Compare Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN with North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

North Carolina Central University is larger than Southwest Minnesota State University based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 8,214 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southwest Minnesota State University is located in Marshall, MN (Rural Fringe setting); North Carolina Central University is in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting).
• Southwest Minnesota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. North Carolina Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southwest Minnesota State University 16:1; North Carolina Central University 16:1.

Southwest Minnesota State University vs. North Carolina Central University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southwest Minnesota State University or North Carolina Central University? 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 North Carolina Central University than Southwest Minnesota State University ($14,475 vs. $15,547).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southwest Minnesota State University are 18% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($11,028 vs. $13,450).
• Southwest Minnesota State University is 54.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $3,662 more per year; $10,361.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 90.5% higher at North Carolina Central University than at Southwest Minnesota State University (about $9,374 more per year; $19,735.00 vs. $10,361.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southwest Minnesota State University than at North Carolina Central University (94% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Carolina Central University students is 38.3% larger than aid received by Southwest Minnesota State University students ($11,999 vs. $8,674).

Southwest Minnesota State University vs. North Carolina Central University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Southwest Minnesota State University or North Carolina Central University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between North Carolina Central University and Southwest Minnesota State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Carolina Central University (1040) is 20 points higher than at Southwest Minnesota State University (1020).
• Incoming Southwest Minnesota State University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 17 at North Carolina Central University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southwest Minnesota State University 935/1102; North Carolina Central University 980/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southwest Minnesota State University 17/23; North Carolina Central University 17/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southwest Minnesota State University - Test optional; North Carolina Central University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southwest Minnesota State University Aug 18, 2027; North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman North Carolina Central University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.27) than students at Southwest Minnesota State University (3.21).
• North Carolina Central University has a higher acceptance rate (87%) than Southwest Minnesota State University (62.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Southwest Minnesota State University vs. 11% at North Carolina Central University.

Southwest Minnesota State University vs. North Carolina Central University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southwest Minnesota State University and North Carolina Central University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Southwest Minnesota State University's six-year graduation rate (39%) is higher than North Carolina Central University's (38%).
• Graduates from Southwest Minnesota State University earn a median of about $6,000 more per year than North Carolina Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $35,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southwest Minnesota State University graduates have a $9,322 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central University graduates ($21,678 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Southwest Minnesota State University graduates have an estimated $96 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Carolina Central University graduates ($224 vs. $320).
• More Southwest Minnesota State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Carolina Central University students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.