Cheapest Computer Engineering Colleges in North Carolina

North Carolina A & T State University delivers the most affordable Computer Engineering education in the state at just $10,980 net annually, while Duke University commands $34,454 despite both serving the same Research Triangle region that hosts companies like IBM, Red Hat, and Cisco. This $23,474 gap between the cheapest and most expensive public options reflects how institutional resources shape program costs. The 9 programs span from A&T's 55% graduation rate to Duke's 96%, yet NC State graduates earning $70,057 prove that strong career outcomes don't require the highest price tag.

Programs

$10,980 – $41,048

Net Price Range

$79,319

Avg. Program Earnings

69.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

9 Computer Engineering Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	North Carolina A & T State University Greensboro, North Carolina	$10,980	$6,748	55.3%	56.4%
2	University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, North Carolina	$14,745	$7,214	67.7%	79.6%
3	East Carolina University Greenville, North Carolina	$16,514	$7,361	62.1%	92.3%
4	North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh, North Carolina	$16,931	$8,895	84.6%	47.2%
5	University of North Carolina Wilmington Wilmington, North Carolina	$19,472	$7,317	70.7%	68.8%
6	Johnson C Smith University Charlotte, North Carolina	$20,011	$20,480	34.1%	25.3%
7	Duke University Durham, North Carolina	$34,454	$65,805	95.8%	6.4%
8	High Point University High Point, North Carolina	$40,721	$44,208	70.0%	78.9%
9	Elon University Elon, North Carolina	$41,048	$44,536	83.0%	74.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost difference between North Carolina's cheapest and most expensive Computer Engineering programs?

North Carolina A & T charges $10,980 annually while Elon University costs $41,048, creating a $30,068 gap primarily driven by public versus private funding models. Public institutions like A&T and UNC Charlotte receive state subsidies that private schools lack, though Duke's $34,454 net cost shows even elite privates can cost less than some regional competitors.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in North Carolina Computer Engineering?

Johnson C Smith University shows the lowest graduation rate at 34% despite charging $20,011 annually, while Duke achieves 96% graduation at $34,454. However, NC State proves expensive doesn't always mean better, delivering an 85% graduation rate and $70,057 starting salaries at just $16,931 net cost.

Where do North Carolina Computer Engineering graduates typically find employment after graduation?

The Research Triangle area anchors most opportunities with tech giants like IBM, SAS, and Red Hat, while Charlotte's banking sector employs engineers at Bank of America and Wells Fargo. Duke graduates earning $97,071 often enter these premium positions, though NC State and UNC Charlotte graduates at $70,000+ salaries access similar career paths.

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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.