North Carolina Central University Admission Requirements
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North Carolina Central University Admission Overview
North Carolina Central University admission requirements are summarized from last year's class. Last year North Carolina Central University admitted 87% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.27 GPA (B+) and SAT 980-1100 / ACT 17-18. North Carolina Central University is test-optional, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT. Those figures describe last year's class, not a score you must hit.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
North Carolina Central University is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT or ACT.
North Carolina Central University Acceptance Rate
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance rate Share of applicants offered admission last year.
Admission Standards Measure of enrolled testers' SAT/ACT scores vs. other colleges.
Applicant Competition Measure of this school's acceptance rate vs. other colleges. A low acceptance rate indicates high competition.
Very Low
Admission difficulty for North Carolina Central University
Acceptance Rate
The North Carolina Central University acceptance rate is 87%. Last year, 15,972 of 18,368 applicants were admitted. That is the 47th lowest acceptance rate in North Carolina.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into North Carolina Central University and can you get accepted?
North Carolina Central University is an easy school to get into, admitting most applicants. You have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet last year's profile.
North Carolina Central University typically attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.27. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 11% of those admitted chose to enroll.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
North Carolina Central University GPA
GPA of enrolled freshmen
Avg. High School GPA The average high school GPA for incoming freshmen on a 4.0 scale.
3.27Typical High School Grades Letter grade on a 4.0 scale for last year's average, not a cutoff.
B+Average GPA (4.0 Scale) 3.27
Average GPA
Enrolled freshmen at North Carolina Central University typically have around a 3.27 GPA (B+) on a 4.0 scale. That is last year's class average, not a cutoff. Enrolled students typically have above average high school grades. North Carolina Central University is test-optional. If you withhold SAT or ACT, GPA carries more weight.
The school ranks #31 in North Carolina for highest average GPA.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.3 GPA range.
Competitiveness by GPA Ranges
Share of last year's freshmen in each GPA range, compared with the rest of the class.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024
North Carolina Central University SAT Scores
SAT scores of enrolled freshmen
SAT Range The middle 50% of enrolled testers who sent SAT. The maximum score is 1600.
980-1100Freshmen who sent SAT Share of enrolled freshmen who submitted SAT scores. This is enrolled testers, not all applicants.
-25th Percentile Scores
- Reading 500
- Math 480
- Composite 980
75th Percentile Scores
- Reading 570
- Math 530
- Composite 1100
Average SAT
Enrolled testers at North Carolina Central University typically score around a 1040 SAT (middle 50% 980–1100) out of 1600. That is last year's class, not a cutoff. The average SAT of enrolled testers is about the 47th percentile nationally. North Carolina Central University ranks #35 in the state of North Carolina for highest average SAT composite score.
SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 980 to 1100
SAT policy
North Carolina Central University is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT. If you send a score, it is considered.
View other colleges which accept students in the 1040 SAT score range.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
How SAT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers
This table compares SAT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. It is not a personal chance of admission. If you withhold SAT, skip this table.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
North Carolina Central University ACT Scores
ACT scores among enrolled freshmen
ACT Range Mid-50 ACT composite among enrolled testers who sent ACT. The scale tops out at 36.
17-18Freshmen reporting ACT Percent of enrolled freshmen who reported ACT. Counts enrolled testers, not the full applicant pool.
3%25th Percentile Scores
- English 14
- Math 15
- Composite 17
75th Percentile Scores
- English 20
- Math 18
- Composite 18
Average ACT
Incoming testers at North Carolina Central University typically have around a 17 ACT (mid-50 17–18) on the 36 scale. That reflects last year's enrolled testers, not a cutoff. That average sits near the 31st percentile of ACT takers nationwide. North Carolina Central University places #44 among colleges in North Carolina for highest average ACT composite.
ACT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 17 to 18
ACT policy
You may apply to North Carolina Central University without ACT. A score you do send is still reviewed.
See colleges with similar ACT profiles in the 17.0 ACT score range.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
How ACT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers
This table compares ACT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. They are not your individual odds. If you leave ACT off your application, you can skip this table.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
High School Class Rank
Class Rank of Admitted Students
66% of North Carolina Central University freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 24% are in the top quarter.
Data Source, Peterson's Data
Estimate How You Compare
See how your GPA and scores compare with last year's enrolled testers. You can mark that you will withhold scores.
Open the North Carolina Central University chances calculatorApplying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed in the table below.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to North Carolina Central University and what student information is used for admission decisions?
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Fall 2027 Application Deadline
Applications Due
Aug 1, 2027Days left to Apply
335Applicants have 335 days left until the Fall 2027 term applications are due on Aug 1, 2027.
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to North Carolina Central University is $50.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Credits Accepted
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Admission summary
North Carolina Central University is test-optional for 2024-25. Last year it admitted 87% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.27 GPA (about an B+ average). Send SAT/ACT if you are at or above this campus mid-50 (980-1100); otherwise withhold. Mid-50 scores, where shown, are enrolled testers, not cutoffs.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to North Carolina Central University often consider these colleges
Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=199157.
GPA calculator: North Carolina Central University GPA calculator.
Last updated: August 2026