California State University-Long Beach vs North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
Good news if you're stuck between them: California State University-Long Beach and North Carolina State University at Raleigh come out about even on financial return. California State University-Long Beach scores 86/100 and North Carolina State University at Raleigh scores 87/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, California State University-Long Beach runs $10,440 a year against $17,303 at North Carolina State University at Raleigh - $6,863 more a year, or about $27,452 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, North Carolina State University at Raleigh graduates earn a median $68,758 against $64,403 at California State University-Long Beach. The cost earns itself back in 6.2 years at California State University-Long Beach and 6.2 years at North Carolina State University at Raleigh.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave California State University-Long Beach owing a median $14,289 versus $20,121 at North Carolina State University at Raleigh. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.36 and 0.45 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | California State Universi... | North Carolina State Univ... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $7,350 | $8,799 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $19,950 | $32,847 |
| Net Price (avg) | $10,440 | $17,303 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $41,760 | $69,212 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $40,000 | $45,000 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $64,403 | $68,758 |
| Graduation Rate | 68.9% | 84.8% |
| Payback Period | 6.2 yr | 6.2 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $14,289 | $20,121 |
| Monthly Payment | $151 | $213 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.36 | 0.45 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 77.4% | 83.4% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 74.3% | 81.0% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 46.3% | 41.7% |
| Enrollment | 35,924 | 27,371 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | California State Uni... | North Carolina State... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $7,183 | $6,382 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $7,831 | $8,758 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $9,705 | $13,334 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $12,630 | $20,087 |
| $110,001+ | $19,750 | $24,652 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | California State Uni... | North Carolina State... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $101,428 | $113,478 |
| Computer Engineering | $98,967 | $110,416 |
| Biomedical Engineering | $106,540 | $98,129 |
| Chemical Engineering | $92,523 | $104,705 |
| Electrical Engineering | $103,075 | $102,178 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering | $101,797 | $89,932 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $95,957 | $87,112 |
| Mathematics | $61,754 | $92,594 |
| Civil Engineering | $89,457 | $85,568 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $67,853 | $84,349 |
| Accounting | $74,839 | $83,689 |
| Business Information Systems | $73,980 | $82,096 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | $79,820 | $71,136 |
| Chemistry | $67,818 | $76,978 |
| Microbiological Sciences and Immunology | $73,988 | $64,510 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | California State Uni... | North Carolina State... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 95 | 89 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 88 | 88 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 91 | 82 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 77 | 93 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 62 | 81 |
| Overall ROI Score | 86 | 87 |
The Verdict
It's close. North Carolina State University at Raleigh edges out California State University-Long Beach by 1 points (87 vs 86), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
California State University-Long Beach
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.