North Carolina Central University provides an affordable pathway to higher education with particularly strong access for students from diverse economic backgrounds.
While overall earnings are more modest than at many institutions, strategic program choices in fields like nursing can lead to competitive career outcomes.
North Carolina Central University serves as an accessible public institution that prioritizes affordability and broad access, though it faces challenges in delivering the earnings outcomes seen at many peer universities. The university enrolls a highly diverse student body, with 57% of students receiving Pell Grants and about 33% being first-generation college students, reflecting its mission to serve students from varied economic backgrounds.
NCCU's affordability stands out as a key strength, with low-income students paying just $12,136 annually and middle-income families facing costs of $17,688 per year. These net prices rank well above average nationally, making the university financially accessible to families across income levels. However, graduates earn a median of $42,968 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution in the bottom quartile nationally for long-term earnings outcomes.
The university's program portfolio shows significant variation in outcomes, with nursing programs delivering strong returns while other fields produce more modest earnings. As a medium-sized public university in Durham, North Carolina, NCCU provides the personal attention of a smaller institution while maintaining the resources and diversity of a comprehensive university, though prospective students should carefully consider program choice and career goals when evaluating fit.
Program selection significantly impacts career outcomes at North Carolina Central University, with nursing programs delivering the strongest financial returns. Adult Health Nursing, with 73 graduates earning a median of $63,705, demonstrates the university's competitive advantage in healthcare fields where demand remains strong and compensation is solid. This program combines substantial enrollment with excellent earnings outcomes, making it a standout option for students interested in healthcare careers.
Business Administration and Management represents the university's largest program with 127 graduates, though earnings of $32,756 are more modest compared to nursing outcomes. Biology, another popular field with 75 graduates, produces similar earnings around $31,915, reflecting the challenges facing students in foundational sciences who may need additional education or training to maximize their career potential.
The variation between programs highlights the importance of strategic major selection at NCCU. While the university serves students well across many fields, those focused on maximizing return on investment should prioritize health sciences and nursing, where the institution demonstrates clear competitive strengths. Students in other fields can still achieve meaningful outcomes, but should understand that earnings may be more modest and may require additional career development or graduate education to reach higher income levels.
Graduates of North Carolina Central University earn a median of $42,968 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution in the bottom quartile nationally for long-term earnings outcomes. While these earnings provide a foundation for financial stability, they fall short of what graduates achieve at many comparable public universities. The university's overall return on investment reflects this earnings challenge, though specific programs show much stronger performance.
Program choice significantly impacts financial outcomes at NCCU. Adult Health Nursing stands out as the highest aggregate return program, with 73 graduates earning a median of $63,705 ten years out, demonstrating the strong career prospects available in healthcare fields. Business Administration and Management, the university's largest program with 127 graduates, produces more modest earnings of $32,756, while Biology graduates earn around $31,915. The variation between nursing outcomes and other fields highlights how strategic program selection can substantially improve long-term financial prospects.
Despite the overall earnings challenges, NCCU graduates enter careers in stable fields with growth potential. The university's strength in nursing and health sciences provides pathways to secure, well-compensated careers, while business and liberal arts programs offer broader but more variable outcomes. Students focused on maximizing return on investment should prioritize the university's strongest programs, particularly in health fields where NCCU demonstrates clear competitive advantages.
North Carolina Central University delivers strong affordability across all income levels, making higher education accessible to families with diverse financial circumstances. Low-income students pay just $12,136 per year, well below national averages, while middle-income families face annual costs of $17,688, and higher-income students pay $23,621. These net prices rank above average nationally, reflecting the university's commitment to keeping education costs manageable for working families.
Debt levels at NCCU are moderate and generally sustainable given the university's affordable pricing structure. Typical graduates leave with about $28,250 in federal student loan debt, while families who choose Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $16,033. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations despite more modest earnings outcomes. This combination of reasonable debt levels and successful repayment patterns suggests that NCCU's affordability model works effectively for its student population.
The university's loan repayment patterns show steady but gradual progress, with borrowers making consistent payments over time. While earnings growth may be more modest than at other institutions, the manageable debt loads mean that graduates can handle their obligations without severe financial strain. This balance between affordable upfront costs and sustainable debt levels makes NCCU particularly attractive to cost-conscious families seeking a reliable path to degree completion.
North Carolina Central University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
