North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$35,580
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$22,623/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
1.6 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
1172%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, North Carolina State University at Raleigh graduates earn a median salary of $50,866. The median debt for graduates is $20,121. The annual in-state tuition is $8,895.
Five years after graduation, the median salary increases to $57,623. Ten years after graduation, the median salary is $68,758. With a median debt of $20,121 and an annual salary of $50,866 one year after graduation, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.4.
The average break-even timeline, based on the difference between the one-year salary and the median debt, is less than one year. 34% of students receive financial aid.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$8,895
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,121
Median Earnings (5yr)
$57,623
Graduation Rate
85%
Receive Financial Aid
34%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $35,580 | $69,742 | 1853% |
| Biology, General. | $35,580 | $57,457 | 1162% |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $35,580 | $79,841 | 2421% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $35,580 | $102,657 | 3703% |
| Psychology, General. | $35,580 | $45,056 | 465% |
| Animal Sciences. | $35,580 | $43,013 | 350% |
| Textile Sciences and Engineering. | $35,580 | $57,894 | 1187% |
| Communication and Media Studies. | $35,580 | $47,004 | 575% |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $35,580 | $87,305 | 2840% |
| Accounting and Related Services. | $35,580 | $70,576 | 1900% |
| Political Science and Government. | $35,580 | $51,838 | 846% |
| Computer Engineering. | $35,580 | $90,912 | 3043% |
Peer Comparison
1172%
20yr ROI
909%
20yr ROI
584%
20yr ROI
726%
20yr ROI
597%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.