North Carolina Central University vs. Salem College

Comparable Facts

Compare North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC with Salem College in Winston-Salem, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

North Carolina Central University is larger than Salem College based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 549 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Carolina Central University is located in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting); Salem College is in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting).
• North Carolina Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Carolina Central University 16:1; Salem College 9:1.

North Carolina Central University vs. Salem College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Carolina Central University or Salem College? 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 Salem College ($14,475 vs. $18,668).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Carolina Central University are 1.9% lower than at Salem College ($13,450 vs. $13,710).
• Salem College is 405.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $27,149 more per year; $33,848.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 71.5% higher at Salem College than at North Carolina Central University (about $14,113 more per year; $33,848.00 vs. $19,735.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem College than at North Carolina Central University (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem College students is 150% larger than aid received by North Carolina Central University students ($30,001 vs. $11,999).

North Carolina Central University vs. Salem College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, North Carolina Central University or Salem College? 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 Salem College and North Carolina Central University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem College (1150) is 110 points higher than at North Carolina Central University (1040).
• Incoming Salem College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 17 at North Carolina Central University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Carolina Central University 980/1100; Salem College 1066/1243.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Carolina Central University 17/18; Salem College 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Carolina Central University - Test optional; Salem College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Salem College students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at North Carolina Central University (3.27).
• North Carolina Central University has a higher acceptance rate (87%) than Salem College (76.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at North Carolina Central University vs. 7.9% at Salem College.

North Carolina Central University vs. Salem College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Carolina Central University and Salem College? 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).

• Salem College's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than North Carolina Central University's (38%).
• Graduates from North Carolina Central University earn a median of about $200 more per year than Salem College graduates about ten years after starting college ($35,200 vs. $35,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem College graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central University graduates ($27,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Salem College graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Carolina Central University graduates ($279 vs. $320).
• More Salem College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Carolina Central University students, three years after graduation. (53% 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.