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Best Value Computer Science Colleges in North Carolina

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

Elizabeth City State University delivers the most affordable Computer Science education in North Carolina at just $7,237 net cost, while Duke University graduates command the highest starting salaries at $106,898. This dramatic range reflects the state's varied educational market, where public universities provide accessible pathways into the tech sector that powers Research Triangle Park's technology corridor. UNC Chapel Hill stands out with a remarkable 92.10% graduation rate and relatively modest $13,500 debt load, making it a standout value proposition. The state's 15 programs span from highly selective options like Duke (6.35% acceptance rate) to accessible choices like Elizabeth City State (74.15% acceptance). North Carolina's banking center in Charlotte and the biotech companies in Raleigh-Durham create strong demand for computer science graduates, with mid-tier earnings ranging from $53,775 at Western Carolina to over $70,000 at top-tier institutions.
24
Programs
$7,237 – $41,048
Net Price Range
$60,095
Avg. Program Earnings
62.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

24 Computer Science Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,170 $68,443 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
2 $7,237 $45,696 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
3 $10,980 $68,666 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
4 $12,983 $72,083 $8,989 92.1% 17.1%
5 $7,360 $39,369 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
6 $12,865 $58,885 $7,461 55.0% 74.3%
7 $9,918 $42,998 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%
8 $12,579 $53,775 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
9 $16,931 $70,710 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
10 $14,745 $60,335 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
11 $16,514 $61,516 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
12 $16,487 $60,623 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
13 $19,472 $64,493 $7,317 70.7% 68.8%
14 $34,454 $106,898 $65,805 95.8% 6.4%
15 $28,746 $71,015 $64,758 90.9% 21.4%
16 $13,393 $31,133 $6,735 48.6% 73.4%
17 $24,137 $44,971 $33,450 61.7% 75.0%
18 $40,721 $44,208 70.0% 78.9%
19 $20,197 $43,936 65.0% 73.2%
20 $24,978 $39,664 40.1% 75.7%
21 $41,048 $44,536 83.0% 74.5%
22 $18,127 $60,300 91.9% 17.0%
23 $17,740 $16,896 33.2% 58.9%
24 $14,083 $17,176 20.2% 61.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes UNC Chapel Hill such strong value for Computer Science?

UNC Chapel Hill combines a relatively affordable $12,983 net cost with strong outcomes including a 92.10% graduation rate and $72,083 median earnings. Students graduate with just $13,500 in debt, the same low amount as Duke University but at less than half the cost. The 17.11% acceptance rate reflects its selectivity, but admitted students receive excellent return on investment.

How do North Carolina's public universities compare for Computer Science affordability?

Public university net costs range from Elizabeth City State's $7,237 to UNC Wilmington's $19,472, a $12,000 difference. Most UNC system schools fall between $10,000-$17,000 annually. NC State offers strong value at $16,931 with $70,710 median earnings, while smaller schools like Fayetteville State provide access at $7,360 but with lower earnings potential at $39,369.

Is the earnings gap between expensive and affordable schools significant?

Duke graduates earn $106,898 compared to Elizabeth City State's $45,696, creating a $61,000 annual difference. However, several affordable public options like NC A&T ($68,666 earnings, $10,980 cost) and UNC Greensboro ($68,443 earnings, $10,170 cost) approach the earnings of much more expensive programs. The debt-to-earnings ratio often favors public universities.

Does graduation rate vary significantly among North Carolina CS programs?

Graduation rates span from Fayetteville State's 35.20% to Duke's 95.80%, a 60-point range that correlates strongly with selectivity and resources. UNC Chapel Hill achieves 92.10% while maintaining public accessibility, and NC State reaches 84.60% with moderate selectivity at 47.17% acceptance. Schools with acceptance rates above 80% typically see graduation rates between 35-67%.

Where do North Carolina Computer Science graduates typically find employment?

Research Triangle Park houses major tech employers including IBM, SAS, and Cisco, creating strong local demand for graduates. Charlotte's banking sector employs many CS graduates at Bank of America and Wells Fargo for fintech roles. The state's biotech industry in Raleigh-Durham and growing startup ecosystem provide additional opportunities, with median earnings reflecting this varied job market from $39,369 to over $100,000.

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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.