At $16,931/yr net price, North Carolina State University at Raleigh graduates earn $68,758/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $34,758/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,931 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $67,724 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $68,758/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$34,758/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 84.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,121 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,200/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,670/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,992/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,386/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,211/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Software and Media Applications. | Master | $103,078 | $29,283 |
| Computer Science. | Master | $97,071 | $30,750 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $82,440 | $28,624 |
| Civil Engineering. | Master | $81,702 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $74,200 | $41,000 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $70,710 | $20,500 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,253 | $21,096 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,057 | $22,681 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,757 | $21,155 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,140 | $23,500 |
The Risk Factor
84.6% of students at North Carolina State University at Raleigh graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
NC State delivers strong financial returns, especially if you choose the right major. The low net price of under $17,000 annually makes this one of the better value propositions among research universities.
Computer science and engineering majors see the strongest payoffs here. Computer software graduates earn over $100,000 within ten years, while computer science majors pull in $97,000. Both programs carry reasonable debt loads under $31,000. Mechanical and civil engineering also perform well, with graduates earning over $80,000. These technical programs align perfectly with North Carolina's Research Triangle job market.
Business administration presents a warning sign. Despite strong earnings of $74,200, graduates carry $41,000 in debt, making the return weaker than the engineering alternatives. Other non-STEM programs likely show similar patterns of higher debt relative to earnings.
You face minimal financial risk if you stick to NC State's engineering and computer science strengths. The 93% retention rate suggests students find what they expect, and the 85% graduation rate means most finish their degrees. Only 19% of students receive need-based aid, indicating the student body skews toward families who can afford the costs.
NC State works best financially if you can handle rigorous STEM coursework and want to work in the Southeast after graduation. The school's engineering reputation opens doors throughout the region. You should look elsewhere if you need substantial financial aid or prefer liberal arts programs, where the value proposition weakens considerably.
In-state residents get the best deal here. Out-of-state students should carefully compare costs against their home state options unless they specifically want NC State's engineering programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Carolina State University at Raleigh worth the cost?
NC State offers solid ROI with a relatively low net price of $16,931 per year and graduates earning $68,758 after 10 years. The computer science and engineering programs deliver strong returns, while other majors may struggle to justify the investment.
What are the highest paying majors at North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
Computer software and media applications leads at $103,078, followed by computer science at $97,071 and mechanical engineering at $82,440. Business administration trails significantly at $74,200, making STEM fields the clear winners for earning potential.
How much debt do North Carolina State University at Raleigh graduates have?
The median debt is $20,121, which is manageable compared to many universities. With strong graduate earnings in technical fields, most students can handle this debt load if they choose high-paying majors.
Does North Carolina State University at Raleigh have good financial aid?
The net price of $16,931 suggests decent financial aid for many students. However, aid quality varies significantly by family income, and out-of-state students face much higher costs that may not justify the investment.