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 gives you a mixed financial return. The typical graduate earns about $43,000 ten years out while carrying $28,250 in debt, so the math works but leaves little room. The 46% graduation rate is the bigger risk here: if you take on loans and leave without a degree, you keep the debt and lose the earnings bump that makes the debt worth it.
Nursing is the clear payoff. At roughly $64,000, it earns about $20,000 more than any other program on this list, and it carries the debt load ($31,000) that the salary can actually cover. If you can get into and finish the nursing program, this is the strongest reason to enroll.
The rest of the programs are weaker on paper. Computer programming, pharmacy, teacher education, and Romance languages all land between $35,000 and $41,000. Teacher education pairs a $38,829 salary with $27,000 in debt, which is a tight ratio for a field where pay grows slowly. Pharmacy at the bachelor level pays under $40,000, so that path only makes financial sense if you continue to a pharmacy doctorate, not if you stop here.
On price, the sticker doesn't tell the whole story. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $12,000 a year. above $110,000, closer to $24,000. Aid does compress the cost for lower-income families, but even the discounted price means most students borrow.
This school fits you if you're aiming at nursing or plan to use the degree as a step toward a graduate credential. If you'd be taking on full debt for one of the sub-$42,000 majors and aren't confident you'll finish, look harder at the numbers before you enroll.
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.