Degree Dividend
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North Carolina A & T State University vs Barton College: which has better ROI?

Public, Greensboro NC · vs · Private nonprofit, Wilson NC

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Barton College comes closer — median earnings $47,913 against a $94,504 total, vs $44,440 at North Carolina A & T State University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureNorth Carolina A & T State UniversityBarton College
Net price / yr$10,846$23,626
Total net cost$43,384$94,504
Median earnings, 10 yrs$44,440$47,913
Median debt$27,000$25,877
Payback
20-year net return-$121,784-$103,444

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

Which is cheaper, North Carolina A & T State University or Barton College?

North Carolina A & T State University, at $10,846 a year after aid versus $23,626 — a gap of $12,780 a year, or $51,120 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do North Carolina A & T State University or Barton College graduates earn more?

Barton College graduates report a median $47,913 ten years after entry, $3,473 more than the $44,440 at North Carolina A & T State 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, North Carolina A & T State University or Barton College?

Barton College: its completers carry a median $25,877 in federal loans versus $27,000 at North Carolina A & T State University, a difference of $1,123. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

57% of students finish at North Carolina A & T State University, against 46% at Barton College. 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.

North Carolina A & T State University vs Barton College: frequently asked questions

Is North Carolina A & T State University or Barton College a better value?
Barton College comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, North Carolina A & T State University or Barton College?
North Carolina A & T State University: $10,846/yr net price after aid versus $23,626/yr at Barton College — a difference of $12,780 a year, or about $51,120 over four years.
Do North Carolina A & T State University or Barton College graduates earn more?
Barton College graduates earn a median $47,913 ten years after entry, versus $44,440 at North Carolina A & T State University — a $3,473 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.