North Carolina Central University vs. NSU

North Carolina Central University and Norfolk State University side by side on admissions, cost, and outcomes, from public data.

North Carolina Central University
Norfolk State University

At a glance

  • Harder to get into: North Carolina Central University (87% admitted vs 87.8%). Typical SAT 1040 vs 930.
  • Cheaper after aid: NSU. Average net price is $9,124 vs $14,475 at North Carolina Central University.
  • Graduation: North Carolina Central University 38% vs NSU 33%.
  • Earnings 10 years out: North Carolina Central University $35,200 vs NSU $36,700 (median).
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Key differences

North Carolina Central University Norfolk State University
Acceptance rate
North Carolina Central University more selective
North Carolina Central University87%
NSU87.8%
SAT range (middle 50%)
North Carolina Central University higher
North Carolina Central University980-1100
NSU823-1030
Average net price
NSU $5,351 less
North Carolina Central University$14,475
NSU$9,124
In-state tuition
North Carolina Central University $3,481 less
North Carolina Central University$6,699
NSU$10,180
Out-of-state tuition
North Carolina Central University $1,947 less
North Carolina Central University$19,735
NSU$21,682
Graduation rate
North Carolina Central University +5 pts
North Carolina Central University38%
NSU33%
Median earnings (10 years)
NSU +$1,500
North Carolina Central University$35,200
NSU$36,700

Sources: IPEDS and College Scorecard.

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  • Applied
  • North Carolina Central University 18,368
  • NSU 11,247
  • Admitted
  • North Carolina Central University 15,972
  • NSU 9,871
  • Acceptance rate
  • North Carolina Central University 87%
  • NSU 87.8%
  • Yield (share of admitted who enroll)
  • North Carolina Central University 11%
  • NSU 13.2%
  • Typical SAT score
  • North Carolina Central University 1040
  • NSU 930
  • Typical ACT score
  • North Carolina Central University 17
  • NSU 19
  • Average high school GPA
  • North Carolina Central University 3.27
  • NSU 2.9
  • Typical high school grades
  • North Carolina Central University B+
  • NSU B
  • Admissions standards
  • North Carolina Central University Extremely Easy
  • NSU Extremely Easy
  • Applicant competition
  • North Carolina Central University
  • NSU
  • SAT range
  • North Carolina Central University 980-1100
  • NSU 823-1030
  • ACT range
  • North Carolina Central University 17-18
  • NSU 16-22
  • Submit test scores
  • North Carolina Central University Test optional
  • NSU Test optional
  • Application deadline
  • North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027
  • NSU May 31, 2027
  • Tuition (in state)
  • North Carolina Central University $6,699
  • NSU $10,180
  • Tuition (out of state)
  • North Carolina Central University $19,735
  • NSU $21,682
  • Room & board
  • North Carolina Central University $13,450
  • NSU $11,591
  • Average net price
  • North Carolina Central University $14,475
  • NSU $9,124
  • Average grant aid
  • North Carolina Central University $11,999
  • NSU $15,056
  • % receiving grant aid
  • North Carolina Central University 87%
  • NSU 75%
  • Graduation rate
  • North Carolina Central University 38%
  • NSU 33%
  • Median earnings (after 10 years)
  • North Carolina Central University $35,200
  • NSU $36,700
  • Making student loan payments
  • North Carolina Central University 23%
  • NSU 27%
  • Median student loan debt
  • North Carolina Central University $31,000
  • NSU $31,000
  • Median loan payment
  • North Carolina Central University $320
  • NSU $320
  • Student to faculty ratio
  • North Carolina Central University 16:1
  • NSU 15:1
  • Popular majors
  • North Carolina Central University
    • Business (15%)
    • Work and Family Studies (11%)
    • Health Professions (10%)
    • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting (9%)
    • Psychology (8%)
  • NSU
    • Health Professions (21%)
    • Business (16%)
    • Social Sciences (11%)
    • General Studies (10%)
    • Communication (7%)
  • Location
  • North Carolina Central University Durham, NC
  • NSU Norfolk, VA
  • Setting
  • North Carolina Central University Midsize City
  • NSU Midsize City
  • Total enrollment
  • North Carolina Central University 8,579
  • NSU 6,053
  • Type
  • North Carolina Central University Public 4 Year
  • NSU Public 4 Year
  • National ranking
  • North Carolina Central University #991
  • NSU #988

Comparable Facts

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

North Carolina Central University is larger than NSU based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 6,053 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

  • North Carolina Central University is located in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
  • North Carolina Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: North Carolina Central University 16:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

Cost details

  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 13.8% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($11,591 vs. $13,450).
  • Out-of-state tuition is 9.9% higher at NSU than at North Carolina Central University (about $1,947 more per year; $21,682 vs. $19,735).
  • A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Carolina Central University than at Norfolk State University (87% vs. 75%).
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 25.5% larger than aid received by North Carolina Central University students ($15,056 vs. $11,999).

Admissions details

  • Typical ACT composite is 2 points higher at NSU than at North Carolina Central University (19 vs. 17, midpoint estimate).
  • SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both North Carolina Central University and NSU.
  • Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027; NSU May 31, 2027.
  • Enrolled first-year students at North Carolina Central University average a 3.27 high school GPA, 0.37 higher than at NSU (2.9).
  • The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at North Carolina Central University vs. 13.2% at NSU.

Loans and repayment

  • Among federal student loan borrowers, Norfolk State University and North Carolina Central University graduates have the same median loan debt ($31,000 vs. $31,000).
  • Among borrowers in the federal data, Norfolk State University and North Carolina Central University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($320 vs. $320).
  • More NSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Carolina Central University students, three years after graduation (27% vs. 23%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.

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