North Carolina Central University vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

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

North Carolina Central University is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 3,339 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Carolina Central University is located in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting); Shepherd University is in Shepherdstown, WV (Town Fringe setting).
• North Carolina Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shepherd University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Carolina Central University 16:1; Shepherd University 17:1.

North Carolina Central University vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Carolina Central University or Shepherd 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 Shepherd University than North Carolina Central University ($11,744 vs. $14,475).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shepherd University are 4% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($12,916 vs. $13,450).
• Shepherd University is 35.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $2,357 more per year; $9,056.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.4% higher at North Carolina Central University than at Shepherd University (about $653 more per year; $19,735.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shepherd University than at North Carolina Central University (96% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Carolina Central University students is 45.6% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($11,999 vs. $8,241).

North Carolina Central University vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, North Carolina Central University or Shepherd University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Shepherd University and North Carolina Central University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at North Carolina Central University (1040) is 30 points higher than at Shepherd University (1010).
• Incoming Shepherd University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (21 vs. 17 at North Carolina Central University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: North Carolina Central University 980/1100; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: North Carolina Central University 17/18; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Carolina Central University - Test optional; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at North Carolina Central University (3.27).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than North Carolina Central University (87%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at North Carolina Central University vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

North Carolina Central University vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Carolina Central University and Shepherd University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Shepherd University's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than North Carolina Central University's (38%).
• Graduates from Shepherd University earn a median of about $6,300 more per year than North Carolina Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,500 vs. $35,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have a $8,777 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central University graduates ($22,223 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Shepherd University graduates have an estimated $91 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Carolina Central University graduates ($229 vs. $320).
• More Shepherd University 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.