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East Carolina University vs High Point University: which has better ROI?

Public, Greenville NC · vs · Private nonprofit, High Point NC

The verdict

East Carolina University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $62,956 in 9.3 years versus 11.9 years at High Point University, on median earnings of $55,146 vs $61,389 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureEast Carolina UniversityHigh Point University
Net price / yr$15,739$38,707
Total net cost$62,956$154,828
Median earnings, 10 yrs$55,146$61,389
Median debt$22,750$24,575
Payback9.3 yrs11.9 yrs
20-year net return$72,764$105,752

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, East Carolina University or High Point University?

East Carolina University, at $15,739 a year after aid versus $38,707 — a gap of $22,968 a year, or $91,872 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do East Carolina University or High Point University graduates earn more?

High Point University graduates report a median $61,389 ten years after entry, $6,243 more than the $55,146 at East Carolina University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, East Carolina University or High Point University?

East Carolina University: its completers carry a median $22,750 in federal loans versus $24,575 at High Point University, a difference of $1,825. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

74% of students finish at High Point University, against 63% at East Carolina University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

East Carolina University vs High Point University: frequently asked questions

Is East Carolina University or High Point University a better value?
East Carolina University. It clears its $62,956 net cost in about 9.3 years versus 11.9 years at High Point University, on median earnings of $55,146 vs $61,389 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, East Carolina University or High Point University?
East Carolina University: $15,739/yr net price after aid versus $38,707/yr at High Point University — a difference of $22,968 a year, or about $91,872 over four years.
Do East Carolina University or High Point University graduates earn more?
High Point University graduates earn a median $61,389 ten years after entry, versus $55,146 at East Carolina University — a $6,243 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.