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Duke University vs North Carolina Central University

Duke University is a private university in Durham, NC, and North Carolina Central University is a public university in Durham, NC. Duke University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 6% of applicants against 87% at North Carolina Central University. North Carolina Central University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $15,359 a year against $29,612 at Duke University. About 96% of students graduate at Duke University, compared with 44% at North Carolina Central University. Ten years after enrolling, Duke University alumni earn a median of about $97,800, against $42,968 for North Carolina Central University.

Duke University

Durham, NC · Private

North Carolina Central University

Durham, NC · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Durham, NC
Durham, NC
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
6,442
6,081
Acceptance rate
6%
87%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.28–3.78
SAT (middle 50%)
1500–1570
980–1100
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
19–22
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$29,612
$15,359
Full cost / yr
$87,072
$26,556
In-state tuition
$68,758
$6,699
Out-of-state tuition
$68,758
$19,735
Application fee
$85
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$735
$13,032
$30k - $48k
$0*
$13,882
$48k - $75k
$5,706
$17,527
$75k - $110k
$17,100
$22,401
Over $110k
$54,230
$23,658
Outcomes
Graduation rate
96%
44%
Freshman retention
98%
73%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$85,792
$35,967
Median earnings (10 yr)
$97,800
$42,968
Median debt at graduation
$13,000
$28,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
59%
First-generation students
13%
33%
International students
11%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 2
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 4
Aug 1

* Reported aid for this income range averaged above the billed cost.

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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Duke University or North Carolina Central University harder to get into?
Duke University is harder to get into. It admits about 6% of applicants, compared with 87% at North Carolina Central 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, Duke 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 $29,612 at Duke 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 Duke University and North Carolina Central University?
Before aid, North Carolina Central University costs about $26,556 a year and Duke University about $87,072. 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, Duke University or North Carolina Central University?
Duke University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $735 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, Duke University or North Carolina Central University?
Duke University is the larger of the two, with about 6,442 undergraduates against 6,081 at North Carolina Central University.
Does Duke University or North Carolina Central University have a better graduation rate?
Duke University has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 44% at North Carolina Central University.
Do graduates of Duke University or North Carolina Central University earn more?
Duke University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $97,800 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,968 for North Carolina Central University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Duke University and North Carolina Central University require SAT or ACT scores?
Duke 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 Duke University and North Carolina Central University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1500–1570 at Duke University and 980–1100 at North Carolina Central University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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