North Carolina Central University vs Wake Forest University
North Carolina Central University is a public university in Durham, NC, and Wake Forest University is a private university in Winston-Salem, NC. Wake Forest University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 22% 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 $28,719 at Wake Forest University. About 90% of students graduate at Wake Forest University, compared with 44% at North Carolina Central University. Ten years after enrolling, Wake Forest University alumni earn a median of about $78,158, against $42,968 for North Carolina Central University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Durham, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
6,081
5,485
Acceptance rate
87%
22%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.28–3.78
3.52–4
SAT (middle 50%)
980–1100
1410–1520
ACT (middle 50%)
19–22
32–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,359
$28,719
Full cost / yr
$26,556
$87,499
In-state tuition
$6,699
$67,642
Out-of-state tuition
$19,735
$67,642
Application fee
$50
$85
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,032
$6,525
$30k - $48k
$13,882
$6,331
$48k - $75k
$17,527
$7,647
$75k - $110k
$22,401
$12,771
Over $110k
$23,658
$58,081
Outcomes
Graduation rate
44%
90%
Freshman retention
73%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$35,967
$67,722
Median earnings (10 yr)
$42,968
$78,158
Median debt at graduation
$28,250
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
59%
10%
First-generation students
33%
12%
International students
0%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Nov 15
Regular decision
Aug 1
Jan 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 North Carolina Central University or Wake Forest University harder to get into?
- Wake Forest University is harder to get into. It admits about 22% 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, North Carolina Central University or Wake Forest University?
- North Carolina Central University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,359 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $28,719 at Wake Forest 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 North Carolina Central University and Wake Forest University?
- Before aid, North Carolina Central University costs about $26,556 a year and Wake Forest University about $87,499. 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, North Carolina Central University or Wake Forest University?
- Wake Forest University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,525 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, North Carolina Central University or Wake Forest University?
- North Carolina Central University is the larger of the two, with about 6,081 undergraduates against 5,485 at Wake Forest University.
- Does North Carolina Central University or Wake Forest University have a better graduation rate?
- Wake Forest University has the higher graduation rate, at about 90% against 44% at North Carolina Central University.
- Do graduates of North Carolina Central University or Wake Forest University earn more?
- Wake Forest University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $78,158 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,968 for North Carolina Central University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do North Carolina Central University and Wake Forest University require SAT or ACT scores?
- North Carolina Central University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Wake Forest University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do North Carolina Central University and Wake Forest University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 980–1100 at North Carolina Central University and 1410–1520 at Wake Forest University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
North Carolina Central University vs Duke UniversityNorth Carolina Central University vs North Carolina A & T State UniversityNorth Carolina Central University vs University of North Carolina WilmingtonWake Forest University vs Duke UniversityWake Forest University vs North Carolina A & T State UniversityWake Forest University vs University of North Carolina Wilmington
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