North Carolina Central University, with a strong tradition of teaching, research, and service, prepares students to become global leaders and practitioners who transform communities. Through a nationally recognized law school, highly acclaimed and innovative programs in visual and performing arts, sciences, business, humanities, and education programs, NCCU students are engaged problem solvers. Located in the Research Triangle, the University advances research in the biotechnological, biomedical, informational, computational, behavioral, social, and health sciences. Our students enhance the quality of life of citizens and the economic development of North Carolina, the nation, and the world.
Dr. James E. Shepard founded the National Religious Training School and Chautauqua for the Colored Race, Inc., on July 5, 1910. Today, North Carolina Central University remains committed to expanding access and opportunity in higher education.
Our university carries a storied history and a promising future built on more than a century of innovation and excellence. With defined plans for the future, we are building the infrastructure to stride toward our goals.
U.S. News & World Report List of Best HBCUs (2025)
Freshman-to-Sophomore Retention Rate (Fall 2024)
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North Carolina Central University (NCCU), a distinguished institution nestled in the heart of Durham, North Carolina, has earned national acclaim for its unwavering commitment to academic excellence, groundbreaking research opportunities and remarkable achievements in securing grants for innovative projects.
Identified as a Community Engaged Institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, the NCCU community lives by the institution’s motto of “Truth and Service.” For the 2023–2024 academic year, undergraduate students contributed more than 166,320 hours of public service, the equivalent of $5,570,057 million dollars returned to the surrounding Triangle region economy.
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From semesters abroad in countries throughout Latin America and Asia to partnerships with institutions in China and the Caribbean, NCCU Eagles spread their wings wide and fly far with cultural immersions, global exchanges and study abroad experiences.
Durham is home to Parrish Street, the historical Black Wall Street of Durham, which gained city the title of “Capital of the Black Middle Class.” Dr. James E. Shepard, North Carolina Central University’s founder, was one of the most successful African American businessmen in the early 1900s. Inspired by its history, NCCU prides itself on its strong connections with the greater Durham community.
With a dedication to quality education, North Carolina Central University holds both regional and programmatic accreditation. In addition, five administrative units at the university are accredited by their respective accrediting agencies.