Elon vs. North Carolina Central University

Comparable Facts

Compare Elon University in Elon, NC 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 Elon based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 7,239 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elon University is located in Elon, NC (Small Suburban setting); North Carolina Central University is in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting).
• Elon 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: Elon University 11:1; North Carolina Central University 16:1.

Elon vs. North Carolina Central University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elon 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 Elon ($14,475 vs. $44,440).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Carolina Central University are 10.2% lower than at Elon University ($13,450 vs. $14,985).
• Elon University is 601% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $40,259 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 137.9% higher at Elon than at North Carolina Central University (about $27,223 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $19,735.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Carolina Central University than at Elon University (87% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elon University students is 48.9% larger than aid received by North Carolina Central University students ($17,867 vs. $11,999).

Elon vs. North Carolina Central University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Elon 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 Elon.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elon University (1210) is 170 points higher than at North Carolina Central University (1040).
• Incoming Elon students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 17 at North Carolina Central University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 1130/1280; North Carolina Central University 980/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 23/28; North Carolina Central University 17/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elon - Test optional; North Carolina Central University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Elon Jan 10, 2027; North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Elon students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at North Carolina Central University (3.27).
• North Carolina Central University has a higher acceptance rate (87%) than Elon (66.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Elon vs. 11% at North Carolina Central University.

Elon vs. North Carolina Central University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elon 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).

• Elon University's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than North Carolina Central University's (38%).
• Graduates from Elon University earn a median of about $21,000 more per year than North Carolina Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,200 vs. $35,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elon University graduates have a $7,750 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central University graduates ($23,250 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Elon graduates have an estimated $80 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Carolina Central University graduates ($240 vs. $320).
• More Elon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Carolina Central University students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.