Overview
Founded in 1910, North Carolina Central University is a public institution with an urban campus spanning 135 acres. As of fall 2023, it has an undergraduate enrollment of 5,973 and follows a semester-based academic calendar. In the 2025 Best Colleges rankings, it holds the #34 spot among Regional Universities in the South. In-state tuition and fees are $6,700, while out-of-state students pay $19,736.
North Carolina Central University Rankings
To get a better sense of what this school offers, check out where it stands in various rankings:
- #34 in Regional Universities South (tie)
- #15 in Historically Black Colleges and Universities
- #15 in Top Public Schools (tie)
- #51 in Best Value Schools
- #254 in Nursing (tie)
- #14 in Best Colleges for Veterans (tie)
- #18 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)
North Carolina Central University ranks #34 out of 135 in the Regional Universities South category. These rankings are based on widely accepted indicators of academic excellence.
U.S. News Overall Score
- Score (out of 100): 66
Outcomes (57%)
- Average 6-year graduation rate (21%): 47%
- 6-year graduation rate (Pell Grant recipients) (5.5%): 35%
- 6-year graduation rate (non-Pell Grant recipients) (5.5%): 53%
North Carolina Central University Admissions
With a 90% acceptance rate, North Carolina Central University is relatively accessible. Among admitted applicants who submitted test scores:
- SAT range (middle 50%): 835–1060
- ACT range (middle 50%): 14–20
A quarter of admitted students scored above these ranges, while another quarter scored below. The application deadline is August 1, and there’s a $50 application fee.
Admissions officers place significant weight on a student’s GPA and, when available, their high school class rank. Letters of recommendation are also considered.
North Carolina Central University Tuition & Financial Aid
- In-state tuition & fees: $6,700
- Out-of-state tuition & fees: $19,736
Compared to national averages, NCCU is more affordable—well below the typical in-state cost of $12,201 and out-of-state cost of $29,084.
Total Cost (Including Room & Board)
- In-state: $28,978
- Out-of-state: $42,014
After financial aid, the average net price for students receiving need-based aid is:
- In-state: $27,223
- Out-of-state: $39,619
Net Price by Family Income (2021-2022)
| Family Income | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| $0–$30,000 | $12,256 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $13,569 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $15,726 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $19,510 |
| $110,001+ | $22,618 |
Food & Housing: $14,968
North Carolina Central University Academics
The student-faculty ratio is 14:1, with 45.5% of classes having fewer than 20 students. Popular majors include:
- Social Sciences, General (12%)
- Criminal Justice/Safety Studies (12%)
- Business Administration & Management (11%)
- Psychology, General (10%)
- Family & Consumer Sciences (6%)
- Social Work (5%)
- Public Health Education (4%)
- Registered Nursing (4%)
- Sports/Kinesiology (4%)
The freshman retention rate (a measure of student satisfaction) is 76%.
North Carolina Central University Student Life
- Total enrollment (fall 2023): 7,965
- Undergraduates: 5,973
- Graduate students: 1,992
- Gender distribution: 30.1% male, 69.9% female
- Housing: 44% live on campus, 56% live off campus
- Athletics: NCAA Division I
Financial Aid Stats
- Pell Grant recipients (2022-2023): 67%
North Carolina Central University Campus
The university provides a range of student services, including:
- Tutoring (non-developmental)
- Women’s center
- Career placement assistance
- Daycare
- Health services & insurance
Campus Safety Features
- 24/7 foot & vehicle patrols
- Late-night transport/escort service
- 24-hour emergency phones
- Well-lit pathways
- Secure dorm access (keycard/security card)