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North Carolina Central University

Durham, North Carolina · Public · HBCU

86%acceptance rate
815–980SAT middle 50%
14–18ACT middle 50%
$13,884average net price, in-state

North Carolina Central University admitted 86% of 17,831 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 815–980 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 46% of students graduate within six years.

Your chances at North Carolina Central University

Enter a score to see whether North Carolina Central University is a reach, target or likely school for you.

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Likely

Based on the admit rate (86%) alone. Add a score for a sharper read.

A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.

Application deadlines

North Carolina Central University’s first-year deadlines for 2026–27 on the Common App:

Regular decision
Rolling admission

The application fee is $50, and North Carolina Central University accepts the Common App fee waiver.

Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone. From Common App’s requirements grid, updated September 25, 2026. Check North Carolina Central University’s admissions site before you submit. See every college’s deadlines or early decision vs. early action.

Early decision and early action

North Carolina Central University doesn’t report an early decision or early action round.

What admissions weighs

How North Carolina Central University rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.

Very important

  • Course rigor

Important

  • Class rank
  • GPA
  • Essay

Considered

  • Test scores
  • Recommendations
  • Interview
  • Activities
  • Talent or ability
  • Character
  • First generation
  • Legacy
  • Where you live
  • State residency
  • Showing interest

Not considered

  • Religion
  • Volunteering
  • Work experience

High school GPA

First-year students averaged a 3.26 GPA. 9.0% of those who reported a class rank were in the top 10% of their class.

  • 4.09%
  • 3.75–3.999%
  • 3.50–3.7412%
  • 3.25–3.4918%
  • 3.00–3.2418%
  • 2.50–2.9933%
  • 2.00–2.491%
  • Under 2.0–

Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.

What it costs

Full price with housing is $26,788 in-state and $39,824 out-of-state a year. After grants, students paid $13,884 on average (in-state).

Average price after grants, by family income, for in-state students:

  • $0–30k$12,136
  • $30–48k$14,482
  • $48–75k$17,688
  • $75–110k$21,713
  • $110k+$23,621

Quick answers

What is North Carolina Central University’s acceptance rate?

North Carolina Central University admitted 86% of applicants: 15,343 of 17,831 (Common Data Set 2025-2026).

When is North Carolina Central University’s application deadline?

North Carolina Central University uses rolling admission for 2026–27 and has no early round on the Common App, so applying early in the fall gives you the best shot at open spots and aid.

What SAT score do you need for North Carolina Central University?

The middle half of admitted students who sent the SAT scored 815 to 980, with a median around 890. A score at or above 890 puts you in the top half of admitted students who sent one.

How much is North Carolina Central University’s application fee?

The application fee is $50 for 2026–27, and North Carolina Central University accepts the Common App fee waiver.

Does North Carolina Central University have supplemental essays?

No. North Carolina Central University doesn’t ask for a supplemental essay or the Common App personal essay for 2026–27.

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