Head-to-head · 2026
Central Piedmont Community College vs Elizabeth City State University
Compare average net price ($3,345 at Central Piedmont Community College; $6,364 at Elizabeth City State University), ROI score (28.30 vs 15.72), ten-year median earnings ($37,865 vs $40,026), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Central Piedmont Community College; 64.2% at Elizabeth City State University) using federal College Scorecard data. Central Piedmont Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Central Piedmont Community College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Central Piedmont Community College | Elizabeth City State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 28.30 ✓ | 15.72 |
| Avg net price | $3,345 ✓ | $6,364 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $37,865 | $40,026 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 64.2% |
| Graduation rate | 30.9% | 43.5% ✓ |
| Median debt | $7,925 ✓ | $21,463 |
| Enrollment | 15,067 | 1,975 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1019 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Elizabeth City State University costs $3,019 more per year than Central Piedmont Community College ($6,364 vs $3,345). Elizabeth City State University graduates report $2,161 higher median earnings after ten years ($40,026 vs $37,865). On EduGradify's model that puts Central Piedmont Community College ahead on projected ROI (28.30 vs 15.72, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Central Piedmont Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Elizabeth City State University reports 64.2% acceptance; Central Piedmont Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Central Piedmont Community College vs Elizabeth City State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Central Piedmont Community College or Elizabeth City State University the better value?
Central Piedmont Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (28.30 vs 15.72), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Central Piedmont Community College is cheaper — average net price $3,345 per year vs $6,364 at Elizabeth City State University. The annual difference of $3,019 adds up to about $12,076 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Elizabeth City State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $40,026 vs $37,865 at Central Piedmont Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $2,161.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Central Piedmont Community College reports a A+ value grade; Elizabeth City State University reports A.