North Carolina State University at Raleigh vs Wake Forest University: which has better ROI?
North Carolina State University at Raleigh has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $69,212 in 3.4 years versus 3.9 years at Wake Forest University, on median earnings of $68,758 vs $78,158 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | North Carolina State University at Raleigh | Wake Forest University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $17,303 | $28,719 |
| Total net cost | $69,212 | $114,876 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $68,758 | $78,158 |
| Median debt | $20,121 | $21,500 |
| Payback | 3.4 yrs | 3.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $338,748 | $481,084 |
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 Wake Forest University?
North Carolina State University at Raleigh, at $17,303 a year after aid versus $28,719 — a gap of $11,416 a year, or $45,664 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 Wake Forest University graduates earn more?
Wake Forest University graduates report a median $78,158 ten years after entry, $9,400 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 Wake Forest University?
North Carolina State University at Raleigh: its completers carry a median $20,121 in federal loans versus $21,500 at Wake Forest University, a difference of $1,379. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
89% of students finish at Wake Forest 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.