North Carolina State University at Raleigh vs Clemson 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
Good news if you're stuck between them: North Carolina State University at Raleigh and Clemson University come out about even on financial return. North Carolina State University at Raleigh scores 87/100 and Clemson University scores 86/100 - 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, North Carolina State University at Raleigh runs $17,303 a year against $22,253 at Clemson University - $4,950 more a year, or about $19,800 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Clemson University graduates earn a median $71,513 against $68,758 at North Carolina State University at Raleigh. The cost earns itself back in 6.2 years at North Carolina State University at Raleigh and 6.3 years at Clemson University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave North Carolina State University at Raleigh owing a median $20,121 versus $21,500 at Clemson University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.45 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 | North Carolina State Univ... | Clemson University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $8,799 | $15,554 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $32,847 | $40,866 |
| Net Price (avg) | $17,303 | $22,253 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $69,212 | $89,012 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $45,000 | $48,100 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $68,758 | $71,513 |
| Graduation Rate | 84.8% | 86.6% |
| Payback Period | 6.2 yr | 6.3 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $20,121 | $21,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $213 | $228 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.45 | 0.45 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 83.4% | 83.9% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 81.0% | 82.2% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 41.7% | 38.3% |
| Enrollment | 27,371 | 23,300 |
| SAT Range | 1300-1470 | 1240-1410 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | North Carolina State... | Clemson University |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $6,382 | $13,607 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $8,758 | $14,109 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $13,334 | $18,851 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $20,087 | $24,833 |
| $110,001+ | $24,652 | $27,922 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | North Carolina State... | Clemson University |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | $110,416 | $102,762 |
| Chemical Engineering | $104,705 | $92,098 |
| Electrical Engineering | $102,178 | $96,446 |
| Industrial Engineering | $100,172 | $92,491 |
| Biomedical Engineering | $98,129 | $93,705 |
| Mathematics | $92,594 | $82,450 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $87,112 | $91,028 |
| Materials Engineering | $89,968 | $85,883 |
| Agricultural Engineering | $84,848 | $88,338 |
| Forestry | $86,357 | $63,764 |
| Environmental Engineering | $85,808 | $81,714 |
| Civil Engineering | $85,568 | $84,873 |
| Accounting | $83,689 | $84,458 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $84,349 | $70,059 |
| Microbiological Sciences and Immunology | $64,510 | $81,526 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | North Carolina State... | Clemson University |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 89 | 83 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 88 | 88 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 82 | 82 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 93 | 94 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 81 | 83 |
| Overall ROI Score | 87 | 86 |
The Verdict
It's close. North Carolina State University at Raleigh edges out Clemson University 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.
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North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Clemson University
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.