Northern Arizona University vs East Carolina University
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
Northern Arizona University holds a 3-point ROI advantage over East Carolina University, scoring 64/100 versus 61/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, Northern Arizona University comes in at $14,158 per year (net price after aid) versus $15,739 at East Carolina University - a difference of $1,581 annually, or roughly $6,324 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, East Carolina University graduates earn a median of $55,146 compared to $54,384 at Northern Arizona University. The payback period is 10.1 years at Northern Arizona University versus 10.1 years at East Carolina University.
Graduates leave Northern Arizona University with a median $19,000 in debt versus $22,750 at East Carolina University. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.52 and 0.61 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Northern Arizona Universi... | East Carolina University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $13,009 | $7,361 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $29,881 | $23,638 |
| Net Price (avg) | $14,158 | $15,739 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $56,632 | $62,956 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $36,900 | $37,300 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $54,384 | $55,146 |
| Graduation Rate | 61.3% | 62.6% |
| Payback Period | 10.1 yr | 10.1 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $19,000 | $22,750 |
| Monthly Payment | $201 | $241 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.52 | 0.61 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 68.6% | 72.7% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 59.2% | 68.6% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 89.6% | 89.2% |
| Enrollment | 22,903 | 19,896 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Northern Arizona Uni... | East Carolina Univer... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $9,709 | $10,046 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $10,398 | $11,699 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $13,330 | $14,904 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $18,050 | $20,417 |
| $110,001+ | $20,686 | $23,028 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Northern Arizona Uni... | East Carolina Univer... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $99,067 | $98,406 |
| Registered Nursing | $84,996 | $82,250 |
| Accounting | $81,144 | $79,351 |
| Management Information Systems | $76,041 | $79,238 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $77,855 | $78,324 |
| Marketing | $69,834 | $73,626 |
| Chemistry | $60,630 | $71,445 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $66,376 | $64,723 |
| Biology | $55,446 | $64,205 |
| Public Health | $61,757 | $59,566 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $61,250 | $48,703 |
| International Relations | $58,571 | $60,419 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences | $60,402 | $44,961 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $52,957 | $59,432 |
| Hospitality Administration | $58,857 | $55,541 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Northern Arizona Uni... | East Carolina Univer... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 74 | 71 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 60 | 61 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 70 | 49 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 62 | 64 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 36 | 48 |
| Overall ROI Score | 64 | 61 |
The Verdict
These two schools are closely matched on financial outcomes. Northern Arizona University edges out East Carolina University by 3 points (64 vs 61), but the difference is small enough that major choice and individual circumstances will matter more than the school-level ROI difference. Run the numbers for your specific situation using the calculator below.
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Northern Arizona University
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
East Carolina University
Fair 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.