College comparison

North Carolina Central University vs Tennessee State University

A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.

Metric	North Carolina Central University Durham, NC	Tennessee State University Nashville, TN
Acceptance rateTennessee State University is more selective	87%	70%
SAT (25–75)	—	880–1050
ACT (25–75)	—	—
Undergrad enrollment	6,081	4,848
Avg net price	$15,359	$15,796
Median earnings (10 yr)North Carolina Central University reports higher median earnings	$42,968	$42,730
Graduation rate	42%	34%
Median debt	$28,250	$27,000
Economic mobility	2.8%	2.9%
Test policy	—	—
Type	Public	Public

Quick answers

Is North Carolina Central University or Tennessee State University harder to get into?

Tennessee State University is more selective: North Carolina Central University's acceptance rate is approximately 87% and Tennessee State University's is approximately 70% (estimates from public and primary sources).

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

The middle-50% SAT range is — at North Carolina Central University and 880–1050 at Tennessee State University. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.

Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.

These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.