University of California-Santa Barbara 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
On the numbers, University of California-Santa Barbara comes out ahead: 90/100 to 87/100, a 3-point edge over North Carolina State University at Raleigh. 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, University of California-Santa Barbara runs $16,109 a year against $17,303 at North Carolina State University at Raleigh - $1,194 more a year, or about $4,776 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of California-Santa Barbara graduates earn a median $74,915 against $68,758 at North Carolina State University at Raleigh. The cost earns itself back in 5.1 years at University of California-Santa Barbara and 6.2 years at North Carolina State University at Raleigh.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of California-Santa Barbara owing a median $13,993 versus $20,121 at North Carolina State University at Raleigh. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.33 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 | University of California-... | North Carolina State Univ... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $16,414 | $8,799 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $50,614 | $32,847 |
| Net Price (avg) | $16,109 | $17,303 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $64,436 | $69,212 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $42,800 | $45,000 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $74,915 | $68,758 |
| Graduation Rate | 83.0% | 84.8% |
| Payback Period | 5.1 yr | 6.2 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $13,993 | $20,121 |
| Monthly Payment | $148 | $213 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.33 | 0.45 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 79.3% | 83.4% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 76.0% | 81.0% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 33.0% | 41.7% |
| Enrollment | 23,113 | 27,371 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Califo... | North Carolina State... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $9,231 | $6,382 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $9,992 | $8,758 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $12,588 | $13,334 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $17,136 | $20,087 |
| $110,001+ | $31,863 | $24,652 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Califo... | North Carolina State... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $149,190 | $113,478 |
| Computer Engineering | $144,703 | $110,416 |
| Electrical Engineering | $117,215 | $102,178 |
| Chemical Engineering | $113,317 | $104,705 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $104,336 | $87,112 |
| Mathematics | $85,391 | $92,594 |
| Statistics | $90,778 | $85,090 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | $90,694 | $71,136 |
| Microbiological Sciences and Immunology | $90,061 | $64,510 |
| Physics | $85,219 | $51,590 |
| Chemistry | $74,713 | $76,978 |
| International/Globalization Studies | $66,127 | $73,362 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $72,976 | $62,039 |
| Philosophy | $71,796 | $58,285 |
| International Relations | $70,384 | $62,824 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Califo... | North Carolina State... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 94 | 89 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 93 | 88 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 92 | 82 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 91 | 93 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 67 | 81 |
| Overall ROI Score | 90 | 87 |
The Verdict
It's close. University of California-Santa Barbara edges out North Carolina State University at Raleigh by 3 points (90 vs 87), 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.
University of California-Santa Barbara
Exceptional 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.