At $15,028/yr net price, North Carolina Central University graduates earn $42,968/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,968/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,028 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $60,112 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,968/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,968/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $28,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,136/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,482/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,688/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,713/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,621/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,705 | $31,000 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $57,318 | $53,309 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $53,984 | $55,965 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $51,607 | $57,887 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $45,427 | $117,597 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $44,384 | $59,393 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $43,798 | $80,750 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $43,128 | $62,084 |
| Social Work. | Master | $42,522 | $44,062 |
| Computer Programming. | Bachelor | $41,205 |
The Risk Factor
46.0% of students at North Carolina Central University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
North Carolina Central University delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes heavily dependent on your major choice. The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, producing graduates who earn $63,705 annually with relatively manageable debt of $31,000. Information science also performs well at $57,318 in median earnings, though the $53,309 debt load requires careful consideration.
The law program presents a financial red flag. With $117,597 in median debt but only $45,427 in earnings, law graduates face a debt-to-income ratio that makes loan repayment challenging. Education administration and communication disorders programs also saddle graduates with high debt loads relative to their earning potential.
Your biggest risk at NCCU is the 46% graduation rate. Nearly one in two students leave without a degree but potentially with debt. The 75% retention rate suggests many students struggle after freshman year. If you're academically unprepared or lack strong study habits, you face real financial danger here.
NCCU works best for North Carolina residents pursuing nursing or information science who can take advantage of the $15,028 annual net price. The school serves 57% of students with financial aid, making it accessible for low-income families. However, if you're considering law school or education programs, the debt-to-income ratios should make you explore other options.
Your success depends entirely on program selection and graduation. Choose nursing or information science, stay focused on completing your degree, and NCCU can provide solid financial returns. Pick the wrong major or fail to graduate, and you'll face financial consequences that last for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Carolina Central University worth the cost?
With graduates earning $42,968 after 10 years and median debt of $28,250, NCCU offers modest returns on investment. The low net price of $15,028 per year helps keep debt manageable, but the 46% graduation rate means many students don't finish their degrees.
What are the best paying majors at North Carolina Central University?
Nursing programs at NCCU lead to the highest earnings, with registered nursing graduates earning around $63,705 annually. Information science and educational administration also show strong returns at $57,318 and $53,984 respectively.
How much debt do North Carolina Central University graduates have?
NCCU graduates leave with a median debt of $28,250, which is reasonable given the relatively low net price. However, with average earnings of $42,968, graduates may face tight budgets while paying off loans.
What is the graduation rate at North Carolina Central University?
Only 46% of students at NCCU complete their degrees, which significantly impacts the school's value proposition. Students who don't graduate still accumulate debt without earning the degree needed for higher-paying jobs.