At $7,237/yr net price, Elizabeth City State University graduates earn $40,026/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,026/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,237 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $28,948 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,026/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,026/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,463 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,342/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,202/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,929/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,182/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,821/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $55,964 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $45,696 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $30,771 | $19,250 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $30,771 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $29,141 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $28,598 | |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $28,598 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $26,353 | |
| Air Transportation. | Bachelor | $26,353 | |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
The Risk Factor
48.1% of students at Elizabeth City State University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Elizabeth City State University gives you a low net price with a modest payoff. At about $7,200 a year before aid, this is one of the cheaper four-year options in North Carolina, and your median debt at graduation stays close to a single year's earnings. But those earnings sit near $40,000 ten years out, which limits how far the low cost carries you.
Computer science is the clear winner here. It pays roughly $45,700, about $15,000 more than the next tier of majors. If you can get through that program, the math works strongly in your favor. Everything else clusters low. Criminal justice, accounting, biology, and teacher education all land near or below $30,000, and criminal justice carries about $19,000 in debt against that pay. Those majors leave you paying back debt on earnings that barely clear entry-level wages for the region.
The main risk is finishing. Only 48% of students graduate, and about a quarter don't return after the first year. If you borrow, start a low-paying major, and then leave without a degree, you carry debt with no credential to justify it. The low sticker price only pays off if you complete.
Your family income changes the picture sharply. Under $48,000, you pay around $4,300 to $5,200 a year, and the debt-to-earnings math is manageable even in the lower-paying majors. Above $75,000, your net price roughly doubles to over $14,000, and the return gets harder to defend outside computer science.
This school fits you if you want a cheap path into computer science or you qualify for the lowest net-price tiers. If you're aiming at criminal justice or education and paying the full price, look at schools with stronger earnings before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elizabeth City State University worth the cost compared to other schools?
Elizabeth City State University offers strong value with a low net price of $7,237 per year and relatively manageable debt levels at $21,463. However, graduates earn $40,026 after 10 years, which is below the national average for college graduates.
What are the best paying majors at Elizabeth City State University?
Educational Administration graduates from Elizabeth City State University earn the highest salaries at $55,964, followed by Computer Science at $45,696. Other programs like Criminal Justice and Biology have lower earning potential around $30,000.
How much debt do Elizabeth City State University graduates typically have?
Elizabeth City State University graduates carry a median debt of $21,463, which is reasonable given the school's low cost. The debt-to-income ratio is manageable for most graduates, especially those in higher-paying programs.
Does Elizabeth City State University have good graduation rates?
Elizabeth City State University has a 48% graduation rate, which is below the national average. This means roughly half of students who enroll do not complete their degree, which affects the overall return on investment.