North Carolina Central University

North Carolina Central University maintains open access admission with a 90.5% acceptance rate, meaning roughly 9 in 10 applicants receive admission offers. This places NCCU among institutions prioritizing educational access over selectivity.

The peer median admission rate of 84.6% indicates that NCCU admits a higher percentage of applicants than typical public universities. This open access approach aligns with the university's mission to serve students from diverse backgrounds, including many who are first-generation or from lower-income families.

For prospective students, NCCU's high admission rate creates opportunity for those who might face barriers at more selective institutions. Students should understand that admission likelihood is high, but success depends on academic preparation and commitment to degree completion.

The university's 75.4% retention rate and 46.0% completion rate suggest that gaining admission is one step in a process requiring sustained academic effort. Applicants should focus on demonstrating readiness for college-level work and understanding support services available for academic success.

North Carolina Central University's published cost of attendance is $25,618 per year, including $19,578 in out-of-state tuition ($6,542 for North Carolina residents), $14,760 for room and board, and $1,500 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $15,028 after financial aid, representing savings of $10,590 from the sticker price.

This substantial discount reflects the university's commitment to affordability for its student population. Net price varies significantly by family income, ranging from $12,136 for families earning under $30,000 to $23,621 for families earning over $110,000.

At $15,028, NCCU's average net price sits $935 below the peer median of $14,093, indicating competitive affordability within its institutional peer group. The university's cost structure particularly benefits lower and middle-income families through targeted financial aid that makes attendance financially feasible for students from diverse economic backgrounds.

NCCU graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth over their early career trajectory. Median earnings rise from $35,967 six years after enrollment to $38,793 at eight years and $42,968 at ten years, representing 19.5% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 2,343 graduates, providing confidence in the reported figures. Graduates achieve earnings around expectations compared to similar students nationally, with the institution ranking at the 54.3rd percentile for earnings beyond expectations.

Low-income graduates earn $32,100, reflecting the institution's focus on serving students from diverse economic backgrounds. Earnings span from $26,776 at the 25th percentile to $60,270 at the 75th percentile, with a 2.3:1 ratio indicating moderate variation across programs and career paths.

Approximately 25.5% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, suggesting balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education.

North Carolina Central University offers 14 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for analysis. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing ranks #191 nationally and #8 in North Carolina, producing 73 graduates with median earnings of $73,033 and a value score of 30.7.

Family and Consumer Sciences ranks #12 nationally and #1 in North Carolina, graduating 77 students with median earnings of $37,040 and an exceptional value score of 45.0. Research Methodology and Quantitative Methods ranks #21 nationally and #1 in North Carolina, with 92 graduates earning $35,978.

Forensic Social Work ranks #85 nationally and #4 in North Carolina, graduating 70 students with median earnings of $39,365 and a strong value score of 56.5. Business Administration represents the university's largest program, graduating 127 students annually with median earnings of $42,441, reflecting strong student demand in this field.