Durham, North Carolina · Public, city campus, historically Black college or university

North Carolina Central University SAT & ACT scores

Enrolled first-year students who submitted ACT scores for fall 2024 had a composite middle 50% of 19-22. North Carolina Central University admitted 87% of applicants and considered SAT or ACT scores when submitted, but did not require them (test-optional).

ACT middle 50%: 19-22
Acceptance rate: 87%
Test policy, fall 2024: Test-optional
Undergraduates: 6,081

Quick answer

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

North Carolina Central University did not report SAT ranges for fall 2024. Its ACT middle 50% was 19-22, so aim for 22 or higher on the ACT to reach the top quarter of submitters.

Score check

Where does your score land at North Carolina Central University?

The middle 50% describes enrolled students who chose to submit scores, so test-optional colleges can show higher ranges than their full class. Scores are one part of an application.

Fall 2024 entering class

North Carolina Central University SAT and ACT score ranges

Score percentiles of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores
Measure	25th percentile	50th percentile	75th percentile
ACT composite	19	20	22

Testing policy

Does North Carolina Central University require the SAT or ACT?

Reported for fall 2024: Test-optional

North Carolina Central University told the U.S. Department of Education that it considered SAT or ACT scores when submitted, but did not require them (test-optional) for students entering in fall 2024.

Check the current cycle

Many colleges have changed testing rules since 2024, and several now require scores again. Confirm the policy for your application year on North Carolina Central University's website before deciding whether to submit.

Beyond scores

Cost and outcomes at North Carolina Central University

In-state tuition and fees (2024-25): $6,699
Out-of-state tuition and fees (2024-25): $19,735
Average net price after aid (2023-24): $15,359
First-year retention rate: 73%
Graduation rate within 6 years: 42%
Median earnings 10 years after entry: $42,968

Compare

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Plan your prep

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FAQ

North Carolina Central University admissions questions

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

Enrolled first-year students who submitted ACT scores for fall 2024 had a middle 50% composite of 19 to 22, with a median of 20. Scoring 22 or above puts you in the top quarter of submitters.

Does North Carolina Central University require the SAT or ACT?

For fall 2024 entry, North Carolina Central University reported to the U.S. Department of Education that it considered SAT or ACT scores when submitted, but did not require them (test-optional). Testing policies have changed at many colleges since then, so confirm the current policy on North Carolina Central University's admissions website before you apply.

What is North Carolina Central University's acceptance rate?

North Carolina Central University admitted 87% of applicants for fall 2024, according to data it reported to the U.S. Department of Education.

Sources and method

Where these numbers come from

College Scorecard data downloads (June 10, 2026 release)U.S. Department of Education
College Scorecard data dictionary and cohort mapU.S. Department of Education
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)National Center for Education Statistics

Test scores: 25th, 50th and 75th percentile SAT section scores and ACT composites of first-time students who enrolled in fall 2024 and submitted scores, as each college reported to IPEDS. Composite SAT ranges add the two section percentiles, so they are an estimate of the true composite range.

Admissions and test policy: Fall 2024 entering class, reported to IPEDS in 2024-25. Policies change; check each college's admissions site before applying.

Cost and outcomes: tuition for academic year 2024-25; average net price for academic year 2023-24; graduation rate for first-time, full-time students who started in 2018-19, graduating within 150% of normal time (6 years for a bachelor's degree); median earnings 10 years after entry, measured in 2020 and 2021, in 2022 dollars.

Coverage: colleges currently operating that reported SAT or ACT ranges and enrolled at least 500 undergraduates. Data released 2026-06-10, retrieved 2026-10-05. Spot an error? Email [email protected].