Appalachian State University vs North Carolina Central University
Appalachian State University is a public university in Boone, NC, and North Carolina Central University is a public university in Durham, NC. North Carolina Central University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 87% of applicants against 90% at Appalachian State University. North Carolina Central University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $15,359 a year against $16,836 at Appalachian State University. About 74% of students graduate at Appalachian State University, compared with 44% at North Carolina Central University. Ten years after enrolling, Appalachian State University alumni earn a median of about $51,836, against $42,968 for North Carolina Central University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Boone, NC
Durham, NC
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
19,444
6,081
Acceptance rate
90%
87%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.32–3.82
3.28–3.78
SAT (middle 50%)
1120–1280
980–1100
ACT (middle 50%)
21–27
19–22
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,836
$15,359
Full cost / yr
$23,169
$26,556
In-state tuition
$7,579
$6,699
Out-of-state tuition
$25,212
$19,735
Application fee
$65
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,325
$13,032
$30k - $48k
$11,600
$13,882
$48k - $75k
$15,204
$17,527
$75k - $110k
$20,840
$22,401
Over $110k
$22,382
$23,658
Outcomes
Graduation rate
74%
44%
Freshman retention
84%
73%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,663
$35,967
Median earnings (10 yr)
$51,836
$42,968
Median debt at graduation
$20,231
$28,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
26%
59%
First-generation students
25%
33%
International students
0%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Aug 1
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is Appalachian State University or North Carolina Central University harder to get into?
- North Carolina Central University is harder to get into. It admits about 87% of applicants, compared with 90% at Appalachian State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Appalachian State University or North Carolina Central University?
- North Carolina Central University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,359 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $16,836 at Appalachian State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Appalachian State University and North Carolina Central University?
- Before aid, Appalachian State University costs about $23,169 a year and North Carolina Central University about $26,556. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Appalachian State University or North Carolina Central University?
- Appalachian State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,325 there, against about $13,032 at North Carolina Central University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Appalachian State University or North Carolina Central University?
- Appalachian State University is the larger of the two, with about 19,444 undergraduates against 6,081 at North Carolina Central University.
- Does Appalachian State University or North Carolina Central University have a better graduation rate?
- Appalachian State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 74% against 44% at North Carolina Central University.
- Do graduates of Appalachian State University or North Carolina Central University earn more?
- Appalachian State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $51,836 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,968 for North Carolina Central University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Appalachian State University and North Carolina Central University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Appalachian State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. North Carolina Central University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Appalachian State University and North Carolina Central University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1120–1280 at Appalachian State University and 980–1100 at North Carolina Central University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Appalachian State University vs University of North Carolina at Chapel HillAppalachian State University vs North Carolina State University at RaleighAppalachian State University vs University of North Carolina at CharlotteNorth Carolina Central University vs Duke UniversityNorth Carolina Central University vs Wake Forest UniversityNorth Carolina Central University vs North Carolina A & T State University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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