At $10,980/yr net price, North Carolina A & T State University graduates earn $44,440/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,440/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,980 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $43,920 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,440/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,440/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,314/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,701/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,024/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,075/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,685/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $68,666 | $25,750 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,666 | $27,000 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,541 | $31,000 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $61,064 | $23,272 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,042 | $16,750 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $55,964 | $30,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $55,964 | $39,996 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $54,661 | $26,875 |
| Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other. | Bachelor | $54,035 | $30,433 |
| Architectural Engineering. | Bachelor | $53,810 | $28,608 |
The Risk Factor
55.3% of students at North Carolina A & T 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
North Carolina A&T delivers solid financial returns for engineering and computer science majors but struggles with completion rates that undermine its overall value proposition.
Your best financial bets are the engineering programs and computer science, where graduates earn around $65,000-$69,000 annually with manageable debt levels. Nursing also provides strong returns with the lowest debt burden at under $17,000. These technical fields align well with North Carolina's growing tech sector and manufacturing base, particularly in the Research Triangle and Charlotte metro areas.
The major concern is the 55% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students who start never finish their degree but may still carry debt. This risk is particularly acute if you're considering majors outside the strong engineering and healthcare programs, where earnings data suggests weaker job market outcomes.
At $11,000 net price annually, A&T offers reasonable affordability for in-state students, but the completion rate means you need realistic academic preparation and clear career focus to succeed here. If you're academically strong in STEM fields, the engineering and computer science programs offer excellent value. If you're undecided on major or struggling academically, the graduation statistics suggest you might find better support and outcomes elsewhere.
The school works best for North Carolina residents with clear technical career goals who can handle the academic rigor. Out-of-state students should carefully weigh higher costs against the completion risk. Merit aid opportunities appear limited given that roughly half of students receive financial aid, so don't count on significant scholarship money to improve the financial equation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Carolina A & T State University worth the cost?
With a net price of $11,000 annually and median debt of $27,000, NC A&T offers reasonable value for engineering and computer science majors who earn around $65,000+ starting out. However, the overall 10-year median earnings of $44,440 means graduates in other fields may struggle to justify the cost.
What are the highest paying majors at North Carolina A & T State University?
Engineering and computer science programs at NC A&T lead to the strongest earnings, with graduates earning $61,000-$69,000 annually. These technical programs justify the investment, while other majors may not provide the same return given the school's overall graduate earnings.
How much debt do North Carolina A & T State University graduates have?
NC A&T graduates carry a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable for engineering majors earning $65,000+ but potentially burdensome for graduates in lower-paying fields. The 55% graduation rate also means many students may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Does North Carolina A & T State University provide good financial aid?
With a net price of $10,980 per year, NC A&T keeps costs relatively low for an out-of-state public university. The school appears to offer decent aid packages that make attendance affordable compared to many four-year institutions.