North Carolina A & T State University
#1 Best HBCUs for Computer Science- Graduation Rate
- 56% C
- About half of students who start complete their degree
- Earnings (10yr)
- $44,440 C+
- Roughly in line with national averages
- Net Price
- $10,846 B
- 37% less than the typical college
- Acceptance Rate
- 50% B+
- Selective, but achievable with strong credentials
Bottom line: A C+ overall grade — average outcomes for a U.S. college. 26.1× return on investment — every $1 spent returns $26.1 over 20 years. Ranked #1 in Best HBCUs for Computer Science.
Every $1 spent returns $26.1 over 20 years — debt pays back in ~under a year. Net gain: $1,086,975.
What The Data Says
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A C+ overall — outcomes trail most U.S. colleges on measured metrics.
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Inventor rate in the top 15% nationally — patents, startups, and new technology flow from its graduates.
-
Every $1 invested returns $26.1 over 20 years — an exceptional return.
Economic Footprint
- Inventor Rate
- 1.7%
- Top 15%
- Patents
- 622
- Linked to graduates
- World Rank
- #301-350
- Times Higher Education
- Patent Citations
- 1,233
- Downstream influence
- Research Score
- 29/100
- Times Higher Education
Why North Carolina A & T State University Matters
North Carolina A & T State University is a public research university in Greensboro, NC ranked #301-350 in the world by Times Higher Education, and its outcomes are not an accident. They are driven by a strong research base, an unusually high rate of inventors and patents, and an above-average alumni network. The result: measurable returns for the students it serves.
Interpretation generated from this school's federal outcomes, research, and mobility data.
Institutional Profile
- Institution Type
- Public Research University
- Carnegie Class
- R2 · High Research
- Enrollment
- 12,182
- Setting
- Urban
- Designations
- HBCU
- Primary Strengths
- Business & Marketing, Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Psychology
Why students choose North Carolina A & T State University
CollegeRanker Report Card
Graded on outcomes, against every U.S. college.
Each grade is this school's national percentile on a real outcome — earnings, value, mobility, and more.
How we grade →Admissions
Competitive — admits about 50% of applicants, with a middle-50% SAT of 1020–1190. Run your numbers in the admissions predictor below.
Check your odds →Net price + aid
Students pay about $10,846 a year after grants and scholarships — 37% below the typical U.S. college. See net price by family income below.
See cost & aid →Earnings + debt
Graduates earn a median of $44,440 ten years after enrolling — 9% above the typical college, against $27,000 in median debt.
See outcomes →Mobility + social capital
Moves 1.4% of its students from the bottom income fifth to the top — top 56% nationally for mobility. High social capital (1.11 economic connectedness).
See mobility →Overview
With an enrollment of nearly 12,200 students, North Carolina A & T State University is a solid choice for those interested in practical programs like Engineering, Business and Marketing, and Computer Science. The acceptance rate sits at 50%, making it accessible while still attracting a diverse student body. This school is particularly well-suited for students who thrive in a collaborative environment and are eager to dive into hands-on learning experiences.
Looking at what comes next, graduates of North Carolina A & T earn an average of $44,440 within a decade of finishing their degrees. This figure highlights the potential for upward mobility, particularly for those in fields like Engineering and Business. With a graduation rate of 56%, it’s clear that many students find their footing and succeed in their careers after leaving the university.
When it comes to the financial aspect, the net price after aid stands at $10,846, which is quite manageable. Students typically graduate with a median debt of $27,000, a figure that aligns with national averages. We often see students who are proactive in seeking out internships and networking opportunities thrive here, using the university’s resources to launch their careers.
Rankings
Can I Get In?
How selective North Carolina A & T State University is — and how your numbers stack up.
Tool
Will I Be Accepted?
Enter your credentials to see your chances at this school.
Academics & Admissions
Is It Hard to Get Into North Carolina A & T State University? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
As a public institution in Greensboro, North Carolina, North Carolina A & T State University reviews applications selectively. The acceptance rate runs near 50%. Admitted students typically arrive with an average SAT score near 1,074. The graduation rate is roughly 56%.
- Acceptance Rate
- 50%
- Retention Rate
- 78%
- SAT Average
- 1074
- ACT Midpoint
- 19
- SAT Range
- 1020–1190
- ACT Range
- 17–23
- Full-Time Faculty
- 60%
- Faculty Salary (mo)
- $10,522
- Student–Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Diversity Index
- 0.38
- First-Gen Students
- 28%
- Applicants
- 25,762
- Admitted
- 14,526
Can I Afford It?
What you'll actually pay after grants and aid — not the sticker price.
Cost & Financial Aid
How Much Does It Cost to Attend North Carolina A & T State University? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at North Carolina A & T State University is $20,673, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $10,846. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $8,223 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $27,000 in federal student loans.
- In-State Tuition
- $6,813
- Out-of-State
- $20,673
- Avg Net Price
- $10,846
- Median Debt
- $27,000
- Pell Grant Rate
- 52%
- Federal Loan Rate
- 55%
What Families Actually Pay
- Family Income $0–$30K
- $8,223
- Family Income $30K–$48K
- $9,462
- Family Income $48K–$75K
- $11,973
- Family Income $110K+
- $17,311
What Happens After?
Earnings, debt, and where graduates actually land.
Students Like You
Tell us a little about yourself to see what students like you have typically experienced at North Carolina A & T State University — the net price for your income, your admission odds, and the outcomes that follow. These are patterns from federal data, not predictions.
Graduate Outcomes
Is North Carolina A & T State University Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of North Carolina A & T State University report median earnings of $44,440, a figure worth comparing against the cost of attendance before enrolling.
- 6 Years After Entry
- $36,638
- 8 Years
- $40,737
- 10 Years
- $44,440
- Debt-to-Earnings
- 0.61x
- Earning > $25K
- 52%
Earnings Trajectory
Graduation by Timeframe
- 100% (443)
- 26%
- 100% (443)
- 26%
- 100% (443)
- 26%
- 100% (443)
- 26%
How North Compares
Dot right of center = above national average.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.
The Mobility Equation
Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?
College ROI Calculator
Is North Carolina A & T State University Worth It?
A data-driven look at the return on your educational investment — using real federal data.
Yes — for most students, North Carolina A & T State University delivers a positive return. Over four years, the typical net price is $10,846/year ($43,384 total). Graduates earn $44,440 at ten years, and over a 20-year career we project $1,130,359 in total earnings — a net gain of $1,086,975 (26.1× your investment). The median debt is $27,000, which takes less than a year to pay back at typical earnings. With a 56% graduation rate, the path to that return is well-tested. This is a exceptional ROI compared to national averages.
- Total Cost (4yr)
- $43,384
- Projected 20yr Earnings
- $1,130,359
- Net Return
- $1,086,975
- ROI Multiple
- 26.1×
- Cost Per Year
- $10,846
- Median Debt
- $27,000
- Debt Payback
- Less than 1 yr
- Graduation Rate
- 56%
Does It Change Lives?
Mobility, social capital, and innovation — does it move people up?
Social Mobility
Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records
Does North Carolina A & T State University Drive Upward Mobility? Economic Mobility & Low-Income Outcomes
North Carolina A & T State University is a genuine engine of upward mobility. Its mobility rate, the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top, is 1.35%, well above the typical college. About 4.3% of students come from families in the bottom income quintile. Among bottom-quintile students who attend, roughly 31.7% go on to reach the top of the income ladder. The median family income of students sits near $111,400, a snapshot of the campus's socioeconomic mix.
- Mobility Rate
- 1.35%
- Bottom 20% → Top 20%
- Success Rate
- 31.7%
- If bottom 20% get in
- From Bottom 20%
- 4.3%
- Share of students
- Parent Median Income
- $151,354
- today's $ (2015 cohort data)
Innovation & Knowledge Creation
Patents, inventors, and research influence · Opportunity Insights & Times Higher Education
North Carolina A & T State University produces inventors at an above-average rate (top 15% nationally), with 622 patents tied to its graduates, and ranks among research universities with a 29/100 research score.
- Inventor Rate
- 1.66%
- Top 15% nationally
- Patents Produced
- 622
- Linked to graduates
- Patent Citations
- 1,233
- Downstream influence
- Research Score
- 29/100
- Times Higher Ed
- Academic Influence
- 48/100
- Citation impact (THE)
- Industry Engagement
- 36/100
- Knowledge transfer (THE)
- Inventors From Low-Income
- 0.81%
- Bottom-20% families
Institutional Finances
Data: NCES IPEDS
- Investment Income
- $-151,917
Top Programs
The fields North Carolina A & T State University awards the most degrees in, by share of completions. Where federal field-of-study data exists, we show what graduates in that major earned early in their careers. Each links to its degree guide — or see what someone with your income, scores, and major would pay and earn here in the Students Like You simulator.
- Business & Marketing 13% $64,948 early-career
- Engineering 13% $81,588 early-career
- Computer Science & IT 9% $81,588 early-career
- Psychology 9% $32,656 early-career
- Humanities 8% $26,097 early-career
- Health Professions 6% $70,153 early-career
- Communications 6% $29,384 early-career
- Biology & Biomedical 5% $30,854 early-career
Early-career median earnings by major (typically 1–2 years after completion, bachelor's level where available), in today's dollars (CPI-adjusted). Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard field of study. Distinct from the school-wide 10-year median; suppressed for small programs.
Top Careers
Where these majors tend to lead — common career paths for North Carolina A & T State University's most popular programs, ranked by median pay with our proprietary scorecard insights.
- CChief Executive Officer$189,520 · 3% growthAdaptable 64
- C+IT Manager$169,510 · 15% growthAdaptable 52
- C+Marketing Manager$156,580 · 8% growthAdaptable 64
- C+Cloud Architect$142,000 · 15% growthAdaptable 52
- B-Site Reliability Engineer$140,000 · 20% growthAdaptable 52
- CAdvertising Manager$138,730 · 6% growthAdaptable 64
- CSolutions Architect$138,000 · 12% growthAdaptable 52
- CHR Manager$136,350 · 5% growthAdaptable 64
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Hard to Get Into North Carolina A & T State University? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
As a public institution in Greensboro, North Carolina, North Carolina A & T State University reviews applications selectively. The acceptance rate runs near 50%. Admitted students typically arrive with an average SAT score near 1,074. The graduation rate is roughly 56%.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend North Carolina A & T State University? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at North Carolina A & T State University is $20,673, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $10,846. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $8,223 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $27,000 in federal student loans.
Is North Carolina A & T State University Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of North Carolina A & T State University report median earnings of $44,440, a figure worth comparing against the cost of attendance before enrolling.
Does North Carolina A & T State University Drive Upward Mobility? Economic Mobility & Low-Income Outcomes
North Carolina A & T State University is a genuine engine of upward mobility. Its mobility rate, the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top, is 1.35%, well above the typical college. About 4.3% of students come from families in the bottom income quintile. Among bottom-quintile students who attend, roughly 31.7% go on to reach the top of the income ladder. The median family income of students sits near $111,400, a snapshot of the campus's socioeconomic mix.
How Connected Is North Carolina A & T State University? Social Capital & Cross-Class Networks
Social capital, the web of cross-class friendships that researchers link to long-run upward mobility, runs above average at North Carolina A & T State University. Its economic connectedness score is 1.11, where about 1.0 is the national norm. Its friending bias is low (-0.04), a sign that students from different economic backgrounds actually mix rather than self-segregate. Around 4% of students take part in civic and volunteering activity.
How Research-Intensive Is North Carolina A & T State University? World Rank, Teaching & Citations
Times Higher Education places North Carolina A & T State University at #301-350 worldwide. Its profile spans a research score of 29/100, teaching at 35/100, and citation impact of 48/100, reflecting both the volume of research output and how often that work is cited by scholars elsewhere.
Similar Schools
Schools with similar outcomes, selectivity, and student profiles to North Carolina A & T State University.
- Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmond, KY · Close peer50% grad $45,795 earn 78% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar grad rate · similar size
- University of West FloridaPensacola, FL · Close peer60% grad $49,137 earn 58% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- Western Kentucky UniversityBowling Green, KY · Close peer55% grad $43,889 earn 94% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar grad rate · similar size
- University of Akron Main CampusAkron, OH · Close peer50% grad $46,600 earn 60% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- University of MemphisMemphis, TN · Close peer50% grad $48,458 earn 72% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar grad rate · similar size
- University of West GeorgiaCarrollton, GA · Close peer43% grad $49,587 earn 52% acceptWhy: similar selectivity
Social Capital
Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
How Connected Is North Carolina A & T State University? Social Capital & Cross-Class Networks
Social capital, the web of cross-class friendships that researchers link to long-run upward mobility, runs above average at North Carolina A & T State University. Its economic connectedness score is 1.11, where about 1.0 is the national norm. Its friending bias is low (-0.04), a sign that students from different economic backgrounds actually mix rather than self-segregate. Around 4% of students take part in civic and volunteering activity.
Research Note