Union Commonwealth University vs. North Carolina Central University

Comparable Facts

Compare Union Commonwealth University in Barbourville, KY 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 Union Commonwealth University based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 1,324 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Union Commonwealth University is located in Barbourville, KY (Remote Town setting); North Carolina Central University is in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting).
• Union Commonwealth University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. North Carolina Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Union Commonwealth University 14:1; North Carolina Central University 16:1.

Union Commonwealth University vs. North Carolina Central University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Union Commonwealth 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 Union Commonwealth University ($14,475 vs. $17,124).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union Commonwealth University are 38.6% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($8,261 vs. $13,450).
• Union Commonwealth University is 361.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $24,247 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 56.8% higher at Union Commonwealth University than at North Carolina Central University (about $11,211 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $19,735.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union Commonwealth University than at North Carolina Central University (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union Commonwealth University students is 124.7% larger than aid received by North Carolina Central University students ($26,961 vs. $11,999).

Union Commonwealth University vs. North Carolina Central University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Union Commonwealth 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 Union Commonwealth University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Carolina Central University (1040) is 30 points higher than at Union Commonwealth University (1010).
• Incoming Union Commonwealth University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 17) as students at North Carolina Central University (17).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Union Commonwealth University 920/1105; North Carolina Central University 980/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Union Commonwealth University 14/21; North Carolina Central University 17/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Union Commonwealth University - Test optional; North Carolina Central University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman North Carolina Central University students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.27) than students at Union Commonwealth University (3.15).
• North Carolina Central University has a higher acceptance rate (87%) than Union Commonwealth University (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.8% at Union Commonwealth University vs. 11% at North Carolina Central University.

Union Commonwealth University vs. North Carolina Central University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Union Commonwealth 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).

• North Carolina Central University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Union Commonwealth University's (32%).
• Graduates from North Carolina Central University earn a median of about $400 more per year than Union Commonwealth University graduates about ten years after starting college ($35,200 vs. $34,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have a $7,000 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central University graduates ($24,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have an estimated $72 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Carolina Central University graduates ($248 vs. $320).
• More Union Commonwealth University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Carolina Central University students, three years after graduation. (42% 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.