North Carolina State University at Raleigh vs Duke University: which has better ROI?
Duke University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $118,448 in 2.4 years versus 3.4 years at North Carolina State University at Raleigh, on median earnings of $97,800 vs $68,758 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | North Carolina State University at Raleigh | Duke University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $17,303 | $29,612 |
| Total net cost | $69,212 | $118,448 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $68,758 | $97,800 |
| Median debt | $20,121 | $13,000 |
| Payback | 3.4 yrs | 2.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $338,748 | $870,352 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, North Carolina State University at Raleigh or Duke University?
North Carolina State University at Raleigh, at $17,303 a year after aid versus $29,612 — a gap of $12,309 a year, or $49,236 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 State University at Raleigh or Duke University graduates earn more?
Duke University graduates report a median $97,800 ten years after entry, $29,042 more than the $68,758 at North Carolina State University at Raleigh. 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 State University at Raleigh or Duke University?
Duke University: its completers carry a median $13,000 in federal loans versus $20,121 at North Carolina State University at Raleigh, a difference of $7,121. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
97% of students finish at Duke University, against 85% at North Carolina State University at Raleigh. 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.