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North Carolina Central University

Durham, NC

publicHBCUgraduate

Quick Facts

"Truth and Service"

1910
Founded
Public historically black university
Type
5,400
Total Students
$55M
Endowment
(2021)
$7K
Tuition (In-State)
$20K
Tuition (Out-State)
$15K
Avg Net Price
90%
Acceptance Rate
46%
Graduation Rate
6-year
75%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About North Carolina Central University

NCCU: A pioneering public HBCU empowering future leaders with truth and service.

Nestled in Durham, North Carolina, North Carolina Central University (NCCU) stands as a beacon of academic excellence and historical significance. As a public historically black university (HBCU) founded on the motto of "Truth and Service," NCCU offers a vibrant and enriching environment where students are inspired to pursue knowledge, develop leadership skills, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. With a robust offering of baccalaureate, master's, professional, and doctoral programs, NCCU provides a comprehensive educational experience designed to prepare students for success in a rapidly evolving world.

The university's history is a testament to resilience and vision, beginning in 1910 as the National Religious Training School and Chautauqua for the Colored Race, founded by the esteemed James E. Shepard. Through dedicated efforts and philanthropic support, it evolved into the nation's first state-supported liberal arts college for Black students in 1925. This pivotal role during the Jim Crow era highlights NCCU's enduring commitment to providing access to quality higher education and fostering intellectual growth for generations of students.

Academically, NCCU is known for its strong programs across various disciplines. From its early expansion into graduate courses in Arts and Sciences to the establishment of professional schools in Law, Library Science, and Business, the university has consistently adapted to meet the needs of its students and society. Being a constituent institution of the prestigious University of North Carolina system since 1972 further underscores its academic rigor and commitment to excellence. Students at NCCU join a proud community, embracing the university's legacy while forging their own paths through rigorous coursework, research opportunities, and a supportive campus culture.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1910 by James E. Shepard, with the motto "Truth and Service."
  • Nation's first state-supported liberal arts college for Black students, established in 1925.
  • A public historically black university (HBCU) and a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina system since 1972.
  • Offers a wide array of programs at baccalaureate, master's, professional, and doctoral levels.
  • Boasts a student body of 7,965 and an endowment of $0.1 billion.
  • Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools since 1937.
  • The campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Timeline

1909
Chartered as a private institution, the National Religious Training School and Chautauqua for the Colored Race.
1910
Opened its doors on July 5th.
1923
Became state-funded and was renamed Durham State Normal School for Negroes.
1925
Converted to North Carolina College for Negroes, becoming the nation's first state-supported liberal arts college for Black students.
1939
Added graduate courses in the School of Arts and Sciences.
1940
Established the School of Law.
1941
Established the School of Library Science.
1969
Designated a regional university and renamed North Carolina Central University.
1972
Became a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina system.
🏛️
116 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

3 notable schools within North Carolina Central University

⚖️

School of Law

Established in 1940, offering professional legal education.

🔬

School of Library Science

Established in 1941, providing graduate studies in library science.

💼

School of Business

Created during Albert N. Whiting's presidency, offering business programs.

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