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Best Value Computer and Information Sciences Colleges in North Carolina

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

East Carolina University stands out among North Carolina's computer science programs with graduates earning $66,653 annually, nearly double the median salary of other programs in the state. This earnings advantage reflects strong connections to the Research Triangle's tech ecosystem, where companies like IBM, Cisco, and SAS actively recruit graduates. While ECU's net cost of $16,514 places it in the middle range, the return on investment becomes clear when comparing debt-to-earnings ratios. Wake Technical Community College offers the most affordable option at just $6,935 net cost, making it an attractive starting point for students planning to transfer. Public universities dominate the value equation, with in-state costs ranging from $2,336 to $7,361, while private institutions like Guilford College and Campbell University charge significantly more despite similar job placement rates. The 20 programs span from community colleges to four-year universities, creating pathways for students with different financial situations and career timelines.
26
Programs
$6,935 – $34,454
Net Price Range
$46,501
Avg. Program Earnings
47.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

26 Computer and Information Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $16,514 $66,653 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
2 $9,918 $35,810 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%
3 $13,393 $40,647 $6,735 48.6% 73.4%
4 $19,472 $45,715 $7,317 70.7% 68.8%
5 $21,200 $49,214 $41,140 47.7% 83.5%
6 $18,165 $42,123 $35,536 40.4% 68.4%
7 $23,991 $52,107 $40,410 55.9% 88.6%
8 $20,011 $39,741 $20,480 34.1% 25.3%
9 $26,328 $33,860 40.6% 68.1%
10 $18,866 $16,000 29.2% 52.0%
11 $6,935 $2,336 31.4%
12 $14,083 $17,176 20.2% 61.0%
13 $17,740 $16,896 33.2% 58.9%
14 $21,953 $33,930 42.6% 69.1%
15 $15,028 $6,542 46.0% 84.4%
16 $14,745 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
17 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
18 $23,665 $35,600 51.5% 94.6%
19 $24,978 $39,664 40.1% 75.7%
20 $20,313 $37,270 41.9% 74.2%
21 $15,662 $18,296 27.1% 63.8%
22 $23,393 $30,900 51.0% 82.9%
23 $34,454 $65,805 95.8% 6.4%
24 $18,127 $60,300 91.9% 17.0%
25 $18,210 $33,400 52.1% 67.1%
26 $22,858 $19,140 20.6% 44.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes East Carolina University's computer science program worth the higher cost?

ECU graduates earn $66,653 annually, the highest among all 20 programs analyzed. The university maintains a 62.1% graduation rate and accepts 92.3% of applicants, creating accessible pathways to high-paying careers. Despite a net cost of $16,514, the strong earning potential makes ECU a smart financial choice for many students.

How do public university costs compare to private colleges for computer science?

Public universities offer dramatic savings with in-state costs between $2,336 and $7,361, while private colleges range from $16,000 to $41,140. UNC Pembroke provides strong value at just $3,571 in-state tuition with graduates earning $35,810. Even accounting for lower earnings at some public schools, the debt-to-income ratios favor state institutions significantly.

Is Wake Technical Community College a viable option for computer science education?

Wake Tech offers the lowest net cost at $6,935 with a 31.4% graduation rate, making it an affordable entry point. The community college serves students planning to transfer to four-year programs or those seeking immediate workforce entry. Located in Raleigh, students benefit from proximity to major tech employers in the Research Triangle area.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in North Carolina computer science programs?

Higher-cost programs generally show better graduation rates, but notable exceptions exist. UNC Wilmington achieves a 70.7% graduation rate with reasonable costs, while expensive private schools like Carolina University struggle with just 29.2% completion. Johnson C Smith University combines high selectivity at 25.3% acceptance with moderate costs but only 34.1% graduation rate.

Where can students find the best debt-to-earnings ratio for computer science degrees?

East Carolina University offers the strongest ratio with $26,853 debt against $66,653 earnings, creating manageable repayment scenarios. North Carolina Wesleyan provides another solid option with $20,834 debt and $42,123 earnings. UNC Pembroke delivers strong value for in-state students, though earnings are lower at $35,810 annually.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.