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Lenoir-Rhyne University vs North Carolina Central University

Lenoir-Rhyne University is a private university in Hickory, NC, and North Carolina Central University is a public university in Durham, NC. Lenoir-Rhyne University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 85% 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 $20,689 at Lenoir-Rhyne University. About 49% of students graduate at Lenoir-Rhyne University, compared with 44% at North Carolina Central University. Ten years after enrolling, Lenoir-Rhyne University alumni earn a median of about $45,543, against $42,968 for North Carolina Central University.

Lenoir-Rhyne University

Hickory, NC · Private

North Carolina Central University

Durham, NC · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Hickory, NC
Durham, NC
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,359
6,081
Acceptance rate
85%
87%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.32–3.82
3.28–3.78
SAT (middle 50%)
970–1170
980–1100
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
19–22
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,689
$15,359
Full cost / yr
$44,621
$26,556
In-state tuition
$31,900
$6,699
Out-of-state tuition
$31,900
$19,735
Application fee
$0
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$18,669
$13,032
$30k - $48k
$18,768
$13,882
$48k - $75k
$17,209
$17,527
$75k - $110k
$21,878
$22,401
Over $110k
$25,866
$23,658
Outcomes
Graduation rate
49%
44%
Freshman retention
76%
73%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$44,799
$35,967
Median earnings (10 yr)
$45,543
$42,968
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$28,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
39%
59%
First-generation students
32%
33%
International students
7%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 13
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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Lenoir-Rhyne University or North Carolina Central University harder to get into?
Lenoir-Rhyne University is harder to get into. It admits about 85% 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, Lenoir-Rhyne 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 $20,689 at Lenoir-Rhyne 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University and North Carolina Central University?
Before aid, North Carolina Central University costs about $26,556 a year and Lenoir-Rhyne University about $44,621. 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, Lenoir-Rhyne University or North Carolina Central University?
North Carolina Central University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,032 there, against about $18,669 at Lenoir-Rhyne University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Lenoir-Rhyne University or North Carolina Central University?
North Carolina Central University is the larger of the two, with about 6,081 undergraduates against 1,359 at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
Does Lenoir-Rhyne University or North Carolina Central University have a better graduation rate?
Lenoir-Rhyne University has the higher graduation rate, at about 49% against 44% at North Carolina Central University.
Do graduates of Lenoir-Rhyne University or North Carolina Central University earn more?
Lenoir-Rhyne University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $45,543 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,968 for North Carolina Central University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Lenoir-Rhyne University and North Carolina Central University require SAT or ACT scores?
Lenoir-Rhyne 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University and North Carolina Central University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 970–1170 at Lenoir-Rhyne University and 980–1100 at North Carolina Central University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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