Head-to-head · 2026
Elizabeth City State University vs Southwestern Community College
Compare average net price ($6,364 at Elizabeth City State University; $5,207 at Southwestern Community College), ROI score (15.72 vs 16.39), ten-year median earnings ($40,026 vs $34,145), and admissions context (64.2% at Elizabeth City State University; Open / not reported at Southwestern Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. Southwestern Community College has a 4-1 metric-level edge. Southwestern 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 | Elizabeth City State University | Southwestern Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 15.72 | 16.39 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $6,364 | $5,207 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $40,026 ✓ | $34,145 |
| Acceptance rate | 64.2% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 43.5% | 53.1% ✓ |
| Median debt | $21,463 | $10,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 1,975 | 1,249 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1019 | — |
| Metric advantages | 1 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Elizabeth City State University costs $1,157 more per year than Southwestern Community College ($6,364 vs $5,207). Elizabeth City State University graduates report $5,881 higher median earnings after ten years ($40,026 vs $34,145). On EduGradify's model that puts Southwestern Community College ahead on projected ROI (16.39 vs 15.72, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Southwestern 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; Southwestern Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Elizabeth City State University vs Southwestern Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Elizabeth City State University or Southwestern Community College the better value?
Southwestern Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (16.39 vs 15.72), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Southwestern Community College is cheaper — average net price $5,207 per year vs $6,364 at Elizabeth City State University. The annual difference of $1,157 adds up to about $4,628 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Elizabeth City State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $40,026 vs $34,145 at Southwestern Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $5,881.
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. Elizabeth City State University reports a A value grade; Southwestern Community College reports A+.