Durham, NC · Private University
Is North Carolina Central University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$42,968
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$6,542
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$19,578
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$78,312
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.19x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
9.8 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
46.0%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$28,250
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$15,028
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
North Carolina Central University graduates earn $2,032 less than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at North Carolina Central University ranked by graduate earnings
22 graduates
134 graduates
24 graduates
24 graduates
30 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at North Carolina Central University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At North Carolina Central University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences, General: $74,597) and the lowest (Fine and Studio Arts: $28,300) is $46,297/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBest ROI(1yr data) | $74,597 | 3.8x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $73,033 | 3.7x |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration | $60,019 | 3.1x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $56,242 | 2.9x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $43,985 | 2.3x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $42,587 | 2.2x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $42,441 | 2.2x |
| Political Science and Government | $41,941 | 2.1x |
| Biology, General | $41,733 | 2.1x |
| Social Work | $39,365 | 2.0x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $38,487 | 2.0x |
| Public Health(1yr data) | $38,198 | 1.9x |
| Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General | $37,040 | 1.9x |
| Social Sciences, General(1yr data) | $35,978 | 1.8x |
| Psychology, General | $35,634 | 1.8x |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $34,307 | 1.8x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $34,038 | 1.7x |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management | $30,471 | 1.6x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities(1yr data) | $28,522 | 1.5x |
| Fine and Studio ArtsLowest | $28,300 | 1.4x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
North Carolina Central University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $42,968 10 years after starting, $2,032 below the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 9.8 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.