North Carolina State University at Raleigh vs Appalachian State University
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
On the numbers, North Carolina State University at Raleigh comes out ahead: 87/100 to 58/100, a 29-point edge over Appalachian State University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Appalachian State University runs $16,836 a year against $17,303 at North Carolina State University at Raleigh - $467 more a year, or about $1,868 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 $51,836 at Appalachian State University. The cost earns itself back in 6.2 years at North Carolina State University at Raleigh and 12.3 years at Appalachian State University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave North Carolina State University at Raleigh owing a median $20,121 versus $20,231 at Appalachian State University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.45 and 0.59 - 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 | North Carolina State Univ... | Appalachian State Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $8,799 | $7,579 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $32,847 | $25,212 |
| Net Price (avg) | $17,303 | $16,836 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $69,212 | $67,344 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $45,000 | $34,300 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $68,758 | $51,836 |
| Graduation Rate | 84.8% | 74.5% |
| Payback Period | 6.2 yr | 12.3 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $20,121 | $20,231 |
| Monthly Payment | $213 | $214 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.45 | 0.59 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 83.4% | 79.8% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 81.0% | 77.9% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 41.7% | 90.1% |
| Enrollment | 27,371 | 19,444 |
| SAT Range | 1300-1470 | 1120-1280 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | North Carolina State... | Appalachian State Un... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $6,382 | $9,325 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $8,758 | $11,600 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $13,334 | $15,204 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $20,087 | $20,840 |
| $110,001+ | $24,652 | $22,382 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | North Carolina State... | Appalachian State Un... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $113,478 | $97,670 |
| Mathematics | $92,594 | $62,271 |
| Accounting | $83,689 | $85,580 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $84,349 | $64,932 |
| Physics | $51,590 | $82,399 |
| Chemistry | $76,978 | $58,329 |
| International/Globalization Studies | $73,362 | $23,073 |
| Food Science and Technology | $72,782 | $53,369 |
| Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians | $66,491 | $69,956 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $65,594 | $21,143 |
| International Relations | $62,824 | $54,344 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $62,039 | $55,307 |
| Psychology | $62,032 | $47,720 |
| Biology | $61,384 | $53,228 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $61,382 | $53,543 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | North Carolina State... | Appalachian State Un... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 89 | 54 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 88 | 47 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 82 | 53 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 93 | 84 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 81 | 70 |
| Overall ROI Score | 87 | 58 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: North Carolina State University at Raleigh clearly outperforms Appalachian State University (87 vs 58), a 29-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Appalachian State University brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to North Carolina State University at Raleigh.
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North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Appalachian State University
Below Average 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.