Comparison between North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCAT) and Elon University. This detailed comparison covers the key aspects of each institution, such as their overview, costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, students, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. By examining these factors, prospective students and families can make informed decisions about which college is the right fit for them.
NCAT Overview
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCAT) is a public, land-grant university located in Greensboro, North Carolina. NCAT was established in 1891 and has since grown to become the largest historically black university in the United States. NCAT offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees in various fields, including agriculture, engineering, business, and humanities.
NCAT Costs & Tuition
Tuition and fees at NCAT for in-state students are approximately $6,657 per year, while out-of-state students pay around $19,822 per year. Additional expenses, such as housing, meal plans, and books, can bring the total cost of attendance to approximately $17,000 for in-state students and $30,000 for out-of-state students.
NCAT Admissions
Admission to NCAT is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of 61%. Applicants are required to submit SAT or ACT scores, a high school transcript, and a personal statement. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1080, while the average ACT score is 20.
NCAT Degrees Offered
NCAT offers a wide range of degrees across various fields, including agriculture, technology, engineering, business, and humanities. Students can choose from over 100 undergraduate degree programs, 29 master’s degree programs, and nine doctoral programs.
NCAT Academics
Academic programs at NCAT are designed to provide students with a solid foundation in their chosen field, as well as opportunities for hands-on learning and research. Notable programs at NCAT include the College of Engineering, which is ranked among the best in the nation, and the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, which is known for its cutting-edge research and strong industry partnerships.
NCAT Diversity
As a historically black university, NCAT has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. The student body is predominantly African American (around 79%), with white, Hispanic, and Asian students making up the remainder. NCAT also has a range of programs and initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion throughout the campus community.
NCAT Students
NCAT has a total student population of approximately 12,000, with around 11,000 undergraduate students and 1,000 graduate students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1, ensuring that students receive personalized attention from their professors.
NCAT Campus
The NCAT campus spans over 600 acres and features a mix of historic and modern buildings. Campus facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms, research labs, libraries, and recreational facilities. Students can also take advantage of the many clubs, organizations, and events on campus, as well as the vibrant surrounding city of Greensboro.
NCAT Alumni
Notable NCAT alumni include Ronald McNair, a NASA astronaut who was part of the Challenger mission, Terrence J, a popular television host and actor, and Taraji P. Henson, an Academy Award-nominated actress.
NCAT Rankings
NCAT is ranked #8 in Regional Universities South, #1 in Top Public Schools, and #1 in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) by U.S. News & World Report.
NCAT Outcomes
Graduates of NCAT enjoy a strong return on investment, with an average starting salary of $45,000 and a 20-year net return on investment of approximately $305,000.
Elon University Overview
Elon University is a private, liberal arts university located in Elon, North Carolina. Founded in 1889, Elon has a strong reputation for its emphasis on experiential learning, undergraduate research, and global engagement. The university offers over 60 undergraduate majors, as well as numerous graduate and professional programs.
Elon University Costs & Tuition
Tuition and fees at Elon University are approximately $36,571 per year. Additional expenses, such as housing, meal plans, and books, can bring the total cost of attendance to around $51,000 per year.
Elon University Admissions
Admission to Elon University is competitive, with an acceptance rate of 72%. Applicants are required to submit SAT or ACT scores, a high school transcript, and a personal statement. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1280, while the average ACT score is 27.
Elon University Degrees Offered
Elon University offers a wide range of degrees across various fields, including arts and sciences, communications, business, education, and health sciences. Students can choose from over 60 undergraduate majors, as well as numerous graduate and professional programs.
Elon University Academics
Academic programs at Elon University are designed to provide students with a well-rounded education, with a strong emphasis on experiential learning, undergraduate research, and global engagement. Notable programs at Elon include the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, which is ranked among the best in the nation, and the School of Communications, which has a strong reputation for its hands-on approach to learning.
Elon University Diversity
Elon University has a diverse student body, with students representing all 50 states and 49 countries. The racial and ethnic composition of the student body is approximately 75% white, 8% African American, 7% Hispanic, and 4% Asian.
Elon University Students
Elon University has a total student population of approximately 7,000, with around 6,000 undergraduate students and 1,000 graduate students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1, ensuring that students receive personalized attention from their professors.
Elon University Campus
The Elon University campus spans over 600 acres and features a mix of historic and modern buildings. Campus facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms, research labs, libraries, and recreational facilities. Students can also take advantage of the many clubs, organizations, and events on campus, as well as the nearby city of Burlington.
Elon University Alumni
Notable Elon University alumni include Christopher Martin, the co-founder of the popular band Coldplay, and Brian Williams, an Emmy Award-winning news anchor and journalist.
Elon University Rankings
Elon University is ranked #84 in National Universities, #58 in Best Undergraduate Teaching, and #2 in Best Undergraduate Business Programs by U.S. News & World Report.
Elon University Outcome
Graduates of Elon University enjoy a strong return on investment, with an average starting salary of $47,000 and a 20-year net return on investment of approximately $388,000.
NCAT vs Elon University Cost Comparasion
Comparing the costs of attending NCAT and Elon University, there are significant differences in tuition and overall cost of attendance. NCAT is a more affordable option for in-state students, with tuition and fees at approximately $6,657 per year. In contrast, Elon University’s tuition and fees are significantly higher, at $36,571 per year. Students should also consider the additional expenses associated with attending each institution, such as housing, meal plans, and books. Overall, NCAT’s cost of attendance is significantly lower than that of Elon University, making it a more budget-friendly option for prospective students.
NCAT vs Elon University Admissions Difficulty
In terms of admissions difficulty, both NCAT and Elon University have competitive admission processes. NCAT has a moderately competitive acceptance rate of 61%, while Elon University’s acceptance rate is slightly higher at 72%. However, the average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students are higher at Elon University, indicating that the applicant pool may be more competitive. Both institutions require applicants to submit standardized test scores, high school transcripts, and personal statements as part of their application.
NCAT vs Elon University Academic Difficulty
Both NCAT and Elon University are known for their rigorous academic programs, and students at both institutions can expect to be challenged in their coursework. The student-to-faculty ratios at both schools are relatively low, with NCAT at 18:1 and Elon University at 12:1, ensuring that students receive personalized attention from their professors. Both schools also place a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and research opportunities, which can contribute to a challenging and engaging academic experience.
NCAT vs Elon University Outcome Comparasion
Both NCAT and Elon University graduates enjoy strong outcomes, with competitive starting salaries and long-term returns on investment. Graduates from NCAT have an average starting salary of $45,000, while Elon University graduates earn slightly more on average, with a starting salary of $47,000. Over a 20-year period, NCAT graduates can expect a net return on investment of approximately $305,000, while Elon University graduates can expect a higher return of approximately $388,000. Ultimately, both institutions provide a solid return on investment for their graduates, but Elon University may offer a slightly higher long-term financial benefit for students.
