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Head to head · North Carolina

East Carolina University vs North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Which of these costs less depends on what you earn. At $75–110k and below, North Carolina State University at Raleigh is the cheaper of the two; from over $110k up, East Carolina University is. Sticker price shows none of this.

What each actually costs, by household income

Household incomeEast Carolina UniversityNorth Carolina State University at RaleighDifference
Under $30k$10,046$6,382$3,664 · North Carolina State University at Raleigh
$30–48k$11,699$8,758$2,941 · North Carolina State University at Raleigh
$48–75k$14,904$13,334$1,570 · North Carolina State University at Raleigh
$75–110k$20,417$20,087$330 · North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Over $110k$23,028$24,652$1,624 · East Carolina University

Green marks the cheaper of the two at that income. "Net price" is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education — not a calculator's estimate. Public-school figures reflect in-state families; out-of-state families typically pay more.

Four years, at $75–110k

East Carolina University$86,058
North Carolina State University at Raleigh$84,667
Difference over four years$1,391

Each year's reported net price grown 3.5% — the same method College Compass uses inside a family's plan.

Getting in

Published acceptance rate89% · 42%
Average SAT1180 · 1376

Listed East Carolina University first, then North Carolina State University at Raleigh. Acceptance rate is the school's overall published figure — your student's own odds depend on their transcript, scores, and high school.

After graduation — federal data

Median earnings, 10 yrs out$55,146 · $68,758
Graduate in four years43% · 68%
Typical graduate's own federal debt$22,750 · $20,121

Again East Carolina University first. The four-year graduation rate matters more than it looks: a fifth year is a fifth year of paying.

These are averages. Your family isn't average.
College Compass runs both schools against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — admit odds with the math shown, merit likelihood, and what four years would really cost you. First three schools free.

Compare them for your student →

Go deeper on either school

East Carolina University — every income band · North Carolina State University at Raleigh — every income band · All North Carolina public colleges