ASU vs. North Carolina Central University

Comparable Facts

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

Appalachian State University is larger than North Carolina Central University based on total student enrollment (21,570 students vs. 8,579 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Appalachian State University is located in Boone, NC (Distant Town setting); North Carolina Central University is in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting).
• Appalachian 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: Appalachian State University 16:1; North Carolina Central University 16:1.

ASU vs. North Carolina Central University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ASU 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 ASU ($14,475 vs. $14,978).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Appalachian State University are 4.3% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($12,868 vs. $13,450).
• Appalachian State University is 13.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $880 more per year; $7,579.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.8% higher at ASU than at North Carolina Central University (about $5,477 more per year; $25,212.00 vs. $19,735.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Carolina Central University than at Appalachian State University (87% vs. 46%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Carolina Central University students is 49.7% larger than aid received by Appalachian State University students ($11,999 vs. $8,014).

ASU vs. North Carolina Central University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ASU 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 ASU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Appalachian State University (1200) is 160 points higher than at North Carolina Central University (1040).
• Incoming ASU students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 17 at North Carolina Central University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Appalachian State University 1120/1280; North Carolina Central University 980/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Appalachian State University 21/27; North Carolina Central University 17/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ASU - Test optional; North Carolina Central University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ASU Feb 1, 2027; North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ASU students have a 0.69 point higher average high school GPA (3.96) than students at North Carolina Central University (3.27).
• ASU has a higher acceptance rate (90.1%) than North Carolina Central University (87%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at ASU vs. 11% at North Carolina Central University.

ASU vs. North Carolina Central University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ASU 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).

• Appalachian State University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than North Carolina Central University's (38%).
• Graduates from Appalachian State University earn a median of about $6,400 more per year than North Carolina Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,600 vs. $35,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Appalachian State University graduates have a $10,500 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central University graduates ($20,500 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, ASU graduates have an estimated $109 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Carolina Central University graduates ($211 vs. $320).
• More ASU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Carolina Central University students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.