About North Carolina Central University
North Carolina Central University is one of the nation's top historically black universities, serving 5,400 students in Durham's active urban landscape. The Eagles have built a reputation for excellence in law, business, and the sciences since 1909. Notable graduates include artist and NFL player Ernie Barnes and NBA star Charlie Scott, who exemplify the university's blend of academic and athletic achievement. The school's motto "Truth and Service" reflects its commitment to developing leaders who make a difference in their communities.
Students pay an average net price of $15,028 after financial aid, making quality education accessible to diverse backgrounds. Over half of students receive Pell Grants, highlighting the university's role in promoting social mobility. Graduates earn a median salary of $42,968 ten years after graduation, providing solid returns on their educational investment. The typical graduate carries $28,250 in debt with monthly payments around $299.
Women comprise 70% of the student body, creating a unique campus active where female leadership flourishes. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention despite the university's substantial size. With 275 student-athletes competing in 15 Division I sports and over $4 million in athletic scholarships, NCCU balances academic rigor with competitive athletics in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.
Students pay an average net price of $15,028 after financial aid, making quality education accessible to diverse backgrounds. Over half of students receive Pell Grants, highlighting the university's role in promoting social mobility. Graduates earn a median salary of $42,968 ten years after graduation, providing solid returns on their educational investment. The typical graduate carries $28,250 in debt with monthly payments around $299.
Women comprise 70% of the student body, creating a unique campus active where female leadership flourishes. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention despite the university's substantial size. With 275 student-athletes competing in 15 Division I sports and over $4 million in athletic scholarships, NCCU balances academic rigor with competitive athletics in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.
Academics & Faculty
North Carolina Central University builds its academic reputation around strong programs in law, business, and the sciences as one of the nation's leading historically black universities. The law school has produced numerous judges and attorneys who've shaped civil rights history. Business students benefit from the university's connections to Durham's growing tech and finance sectors. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, professors can provide personalized attention to help students succeed. However, the 46% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many first-generation college students face. The university's commitment to "Truth and Service" emphasizes both academic rigor and community engagement across all majors.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 70.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 45.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 46.0%
- Retention Rate
- 75.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,968
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,705 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $57,318 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $53,984 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $51,607 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $45,427 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $44,384 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $43,798 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $43,128 |
| Social Work. | Master | $42,522 |
| Computer Programming. | Bachelor | $41,205 |
Campus Life
Durham puts you in North Carolina's Research Triangle, with plenty of internship opportunities at nearby companies and Duke University just down the road. Women make up 70% of the student body, creating a supportive environment on the historically black campus. You'll need both a winter coat and sunscreen - North Carolina's climate means chilly January mornings and sweltering August afternoons.
With housing capacity for 3,375 students and total enrollment of 5,400, about 63% of students can live on campus if they choose. The Eagles compete in Division I athletics with 275 student-athletes across 15 sports, giving you plenty of games to attend on weekends. Durham's revitalized downtown offers restaurants, music venues, and cultural events when you want to explore beyond campus. NCCU students often gather for homecoming celebrations and step shows that showcase the university's strong Greek life tradition. The campus buzzes with pre-professional energy, especially among students heading to the well-regarded law school or business programs after graduation.
With housing capacity for 3,375 students and total enrollment of 5,400, about 63% of students can live on campus if they choose. The Eagles compete in Division I athletics with 275 student-athletes across 15 sports, giving you plenty of games to attend on weekends. Durham's revitalized downtown offers restaurants, music venues, and cultural events when you want to explore beyond campus. NCCU students often gather for homecoming celebrations and step shows that showcase the university's strong Greek life tradition. The campus buzzes with pre-professional energy, especially among students heading to the well-regarded law school or business programs after graduation.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 3,375 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1909
Campus Safety (2023)
115 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 20 | 14 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 14 | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 12 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 9 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Rape | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 28°–49°F
- July Avg
- 67°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 47.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- -774.0"
Student Demographics
North Carolina Central draws students who value the HBCU experience and see education as a pathway to opportunity. Women make up about 70% of campus, reflecting strong interest in the university's education, nursing, and business programs. Most students come from North Carolina families, giving NCCU deep roots in the state's African American community. Over half receive Pell Grants, showing the university's commitment to serving first-generation college students. The student body of 5,400 creates a tight-knit environment where students support each other's academic and professional goals.
- Men
- 29.6%
- Women
- 70.4%
- White
- 4.0%
- Black
- 83.5%
- Hispanic
- 5.4%
- Asian
- 1.0%
- In-State Students
- 72.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 56.6%
Location
North Carolina Central University sits in Durham, a city of 285,000 residents in the Research Triangle region of central North Carolina. The campus lies just 10 miles from Chapel Hill and 23 miles from Raleigh. Durham's economy revolves around Duke University, major hospitals, and technology companies that give the area its nickname. About 72% of NCCU students come from within North Carolina. The city offers internship opportunities at Research Triangle Park, one of the largest research parks in the world. Durham's revitalized downtown features restaurants, music venues, and the Durham Bulls baseball stadium. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare North Carolina Central University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Durham, North Carolina 27707
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,968
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,355
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $28,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 24.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $299/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $28,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at North Carolina Central University?
North Carolina Central University accepts 84% of applicants with an average SAT score of 970. This HBCU welcomes students with a wide range of academic backgrounds while maintaining its mission of providing quality education to underserved communities.
How much does North Carolina Central University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $15,028, with 57% of students receiving financial aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,136 on average, making this historically black university accessible to low-income students.
What programs is North Carolina Central University known for?
NCCU operates with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio across strong programs in law, business, and the sciences. The university has built its reputation as a leading HBCU that produces graduates ready for professional careers and graduate school.
What are the graduation rates at North Carolina Central University?
The six-year graduation rate is 46% with a retention rate of 75%. Graduates earn a median salary of $42,968 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the university's focus on career preparation and social mobility.
Where is North Carolina Central University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Durham, North Carolina, housing 3,375 students in a active college town setting. With 70% women and 84% Black students, NCCU creates a supportive community atmosphere that celebrates African American culture and achievement.
Does North Carolina Central University compete in Division I athletics?
The Eagles compete in NCAA Division I with 15 varsity sports and 275 total athletes in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. The athletic program awards $4.2 million in scholarships annually, with a historic rivalry against North Carolina A&T State University.
