North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, North Carolina · Public · 41.7% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 87/100 · Strong Value
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Strong ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $8,799/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $32,847/yr |
| Average net price | $17,303/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $69,212 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $68,758 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $45,000 |
| Median debt at graduation | $20,121 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $213 |
| Estimated payback period | 6.2 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 84.8% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 27,371 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,382 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,758 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,334 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,087 |
| $110,001+ | $24,652 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at North Carolina State University at Raleigh with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $84,349 | B |
| Biology | $61,384 | C |
| Psychology | $62,032 | D |
| Computer Science | $113,478 | A |
| Mechanical Engineering | $87,112 | B |
| Animal Sciences | $53,226 | C |
| Communication and Media Studies | $62,039 | C |
| Textile Sciences and Engineering | $71,837 | C+ |
| International Relations | $62,824 | C |
| Biomedical Engineering | $98,129 | B+ |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at North Carolina State University at Raleigh is $8,799/year ($32,847/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $17,303/year, or roughly $69,212 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $6,382/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $24,652/year.
The median graduate leaves with $20,121 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $213 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $68,758 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.45 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 79.5% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 83.4% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 81.0% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 84.4% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 41.7% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 650-750 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 650-720 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 28-32 |
| Enrollment | 27,371 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 19.6% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $12,820 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina State University at Raleigh (this school) | 87 | $17,303 | $68,758 |
| University of Georgia | 88 | $13,936 | $68,726 |
| California State University-Long Beach | 86 | $10,440 | $64,403 |
| Clemson University | 86 | $22,253 | $71,513 |
| East Carolina University | 61 | $15,739 | $55,146 |
| Appalachian State University | 58 | $16,836 | $51,836 |
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
North Carolina State University at Raleigh delivers above-average financial returns for its graduates. At a net cost of $17,303 per year ($69,212 over four years), graduates earn a median of $68,758 ten years after enrollment. That puts the payback period at roughly 6.2 years - a solid return on the investment.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, a 84.8% graduation rate, manageable debt relative to earnings, high loan repayment success.
Median debt of $20,121 is very manageable against $68,758 in annual earnings - well within the financial advisor rule of thumb that total debt should not exceed first-year salary.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.