Students at North Carolina State University achieve exceptional long-term earnings that place the institution among the top tier of public universities nationwide.
Graduates consistently reach strong financial outcomes across multiple fields, with particularly impressive results for students from low-income backgrounds.
North Carolina State University at Raleigh ranks among the top public research universities nationwide, delivering exceptional long-term value through strong earnings outcomes and solid affordability. Azimuth places NC State in the 89th percentile nationally for overall return on investment, reflecting the university's ability to consistently prepare graduates for high-paying careers across multiple fields.
What distinguishes NC State is its combination of academic rigor and practical career preparation. Graduates earn a median of $68,758 ten years after enrollment, placing the university well above typical public institutions for long-term financial outcomes. The university's strength spans multiple disciplines, from its renowned engineering and computer science programs to business and agricultural sciences, creating diverse pathways to career success.
As a large public research university in North Carolina's Research Triangle, NC State offers the resources and connections of a major flagship institution. The university maintains strong industry partnerships and employer relationships that translate directly into internship opportunities, job placement, and career advancement for graduates. For students who can gain admission and handle the academic demands, NC State represents one of the strongest combinations of prestige, practical preparation, and long-term financial return available at a public university.
North Carolina State University's program portfolio reflects its strength as a comprehensive research university with particular excellence in STEM and professional fields. Business Administration and Management stands out as both the largest program with 665 graduates and a strong economic engine, combining substantial enrollment with median earnings of $48,864. This program's scale demonstrates NC State's ability to prepare large numbers of students for management and leadership roles across industries.
Computer Science represents the university's highest-earning major, with 232 graduates achieving median earnings of $70,710 early in their careers. This reflects NC State's strong reputation in technology fields and the Research Triangle's robust demand for computing professionals. Biology, while showing more modest early-career earnings at $31,133, benefits from NC State's research reputation and serves as a foundation for students pursuing advanced degrees in medicine, veterinary science, and graduate research.
The university's engineering programs, agricultural sciences, and other STEM fields consistently deliver strong financial returns, supported by extensive industry partnerships and hands-on learning opportunities. NC State's location in the Research Triangle provides students across all majors with access to internships, co-ops, and job opportunities with major employers in technology, pharmaceuticals, and advanced manufacturing.
North Carolina State University delivers outstanding long-term financial outcomes for graduates. Ten years after enrollment, students earn a median of $68,758, placing the university in the 89th percentile nationally for earnings performance. This strong earning power reflects NC State's reputation among employers and the practical, career-focused education students receive across multiple high-demand fields.
The university's program mix drives much of this financial success. Computer Science stands out as the highest-earning major, with graduates earning around $70,710 early in their careers, while the university's largest program, Business Administration and Management, combines substantial enrollment of 665 graduates with solid median earnings of $48,864. Engineering programs consistently deliver strong financial returns, and even traditionally lower-earning fields like Biology benefit from NC State's research reputation and industry connections. The university's location in North Carolina's Research Triangle provides graduates access to one of the nation's most dynamic job markets, with major employers in technology, pharmaceuticals, and advanced manufacturing actively recruiting NC State alumni.
What makes NC State particularly valuable is how consistently graduates across different majors achieve strong earnings outcomes. The university's emphasis on practical skills, research experience, and industry partnerships ensures that students enter the job market well-prepared for immediate career success and long-term advancement.
North Carolina State University offers strong affordability, particularly for low- and middle-income families. Low-income students pay approximately $6,200 annually in net price, well below the national average and making NC State accessible to Pell-eligible families. Middle-income families see net costs around $13,992 per year, while higher-income families pay about $24,211 annually—all representing solid value given the university's academic reputation and career outcomes.
Debt levels remain manageable relative to the strong earnings graduates achieve. Typical students leave with about $20,121 in federal loan debt, while families who choose Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $20,609. These debt levels are reasonable considering NC State graduates' median earnings of nearly $69,000 ten years out, creating a sustainable debt-to-income ratio that allows for comfortable repayment. The university's strong financial aid programs and relatively predictable pricing help families plan effectively for the full cost of a degree.
NC State's combination of moderate debt levels and strong post-graduation earnings creates favorable conditions for loan repayment. Most graduates can handle standard 10-year repayment schedules without financial strain, and the university's excellent job placement rates mean students typically enter stable, well-paying careers immediately after graduation.
North Carolina State University At Raleigh Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
