Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs. North Carolina Central University

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern Arkansas University Main Campus in Magnolia, AR 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 Southern Arkansas University Main Campus based on total student enrollment (8,579 students vs. 4,732 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is located in Magnolia, AR (Remote Town setting); North Carolina Central University is in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting).
• Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. North Carolina Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 16:1; North Carolina Central University 16:1.

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs. North Carolina Central University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 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 Southern Arkansas University Main Campus than North Carolina Central University ($13,442 vs. $14,475).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus are 41.2% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($7,911 vs. $13,450).
• Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is 48.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $3,261 more per year; $9,960.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.8% higher at North Carolina Central University than at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus (about $4,045 more per year; $19,735.00 vs. $15,690.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus than at North Carolina Central University (99% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Carolina Central University students is 3.9% larger than aid received by Southern Arkansas University Main Campus students ($11,999 vs. $11,552).

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs. North Carolina Central University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 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 Southern Arkansas University Main Campus.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Carolina Central University (1040) is 50 points higher than at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus (990).
• Incoming Southern Arkansas University Main Campus students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 17 at North Carolina Central University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 875/1105; North Carolina Central University 980/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 17/24; North Carolina Central University 17/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus - Required; North Carolina Central University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southern Arkansas University Main Campus Aug 27, 2027; North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Southern Arkansas University Main Campus students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at North Carolina Central University (3.27).
• North Carolina Central University has a higher acceptance rate (87%) than Southern Arkansas University Main Campus (75.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs. 11% at North Carolina Central University.

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus vs. North Carolina Central University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern Arkansas University Main Campus 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).

• North Carolina Central University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Southern Arkansas University Main Campus's (34%).
• Graduates from Southern Arkansas University Main Campus earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than North Carolina Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,900 vs. $35,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus graduates have a $13,980 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central University graduates ($17,020 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus graduates have an estimated $145 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Carolina Central University graduates ($175 vs. $320).
• More Southern Arkansas University Main Campus graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Carolina Central University students, three years after graduation. (44% 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.