Northern Arizona University vs East Carolina 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, Northern Arizona University comes out ahead: 64/100 to 61/100, a 3-point edge over East Carolina 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, Northern Arizona University runs $14,158 a year against $15,739 at East Carolina University - $1,581 more a year, or about $6,324 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, East Carolina University graduates earn a median $55,146 against $54,384 at Northern Arizona University. The cost earns itself back in 10.1 years at Northern Arizona University and 10.1 years at East Carolina University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Northern Arizona University owing a median $19,000 versus $22,750 at East Carolina University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.52 and 0.61 - 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 | 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
It's close. Northern Arizona University edges out East Carolina University by 3 points (64 vs 61), 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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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.