North Carolina Central University

Durham, NC · Public · 4-year · HBCU

North Carolina Central University has a 90.5% acceptance rate. North Carolina Central University is a public 4-year institution in Durham, NC, with a median SAT of 1040 and a median ACT of 20. The average net price is $15,359 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

90.5%

14,192 applicants

SAT Median

1040

Combined score

ACT Median

20

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$15,359

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at North Carolina Central University

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at North Carolina Central University (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)98010401100
ACT (composite, 1–36)172018

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

43.9%

Retention Rate

72.7%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$42,968

Student Body

6,081

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at North Carolina Central University:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$13,032
$30,001 – $48,000$13,882
$48,001 – $75,000$17,527
$75,001 – $110,000$22,401
$110,000+$23,658

Top Majors at North Carolina Central University

MajorDegrees Awarded
Social Sciences155
Business, Management & Marketing128
Homeland Security & Criminal Justice105
Psychology95
Biological & Biomedical Sciences64
Health Professions61
Parks, Recreation & Fitness52
Education49
Public Administration & Social Services44
Communication & Journalism39

Financial Aid at North Carolina Central University

About North Carolina Central University

Official website: https://www.nccu.edu/

Admissions: https://www.nccu.edu/admissions

Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina Central University

What is the acceptance rate at North Carolina Central University?

North Carolina Central University has an acceptance rate of 90%. it received about 14,192 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1040; the average net price is $15,359 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to North Carolina Central University for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into North Carolina Central University?

Getting into North Carolina Central University is accessible for most qualified applicants — it admits 90% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1040. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at North Carolina Central University for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for North Carolina Central University?

Admitted students at North Carolina Central University typically have a median SAT around 1040 and a median ACT around 20. With a 90% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. North Carolina Central University is located in Durham, NC. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend North Carolina Central University?

The average net price at North Carolina Central University is $15,359 per year after grants and scholarships. about 96% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $12,449 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at North Carolina Central University?

North Carolina Central University has a graduation rate of 44%. its first-year retention rate is 73%; median earnings 10 years after enrollment are $42,968. These federal outcome metrics let you compare North Carolina Central University against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is North Carolina Central University test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, North Carolina Central University is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1040. With a 90% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors North Carolina Central University's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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