North Carolina State University at Raleigh ROI Analysis
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
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
1.6 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
1172%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
North Carolina State University at Raleigh has a strong return on investment. The median debt for graduates is $20,121, while the average earnings one year after graduation are $50,866. This indicates a positive initial return on investment. The average earnings increase to $57,623 five years after graduation and $68,758 ten years after graduation.
The debt-to-income ratio for graduates is favorable. With a median debt of $20,121 and an average starting salary of $50,866, the debt represents a manageable portion of the initial earnings. The debt-to-income ratio improves over time as earnings increase.
Given the tuition cost of $8,895 and the average starting salary of $50,866, the break-even timeline is relatively short. The earnings significantly exceed the tuition cost in the first year after graduation.
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
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $102,657 | 3703% |
| Mechanical Engineering | $99,243 | 3511% |
| Biology, General | $57,457 | 1162% |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $87,305 | 2840% |
| Textile Sciences and Engineering | $57,894 | 1187% |
| Computer Engineering | $90,912 | 3043% |
| Accounting and Related Services | $76,982 | 2260% |
| Psychology, General | $45,056 | 465% |
| Animal Sciences | $43,013 | 350% |
| Civil Engineering | $101,296 | 3627% |
| Communication and Media Studies | $47,004 | 575% |
| Chemical Engineering | $94,710 | 3256% |
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)
Frequently Asked Questions
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.