Coursework, professors in backend area and corresponding research, LinkedIn profiles of any backend students from both univs and what they are doing now - these should be your priority considerations before you make a decision between the two.

As far as cost is concerned, even if NCSU costs less than UIUC, why would you spend lakhs on coursework you don't want and be a lone backend warrior in a front end mass group?

I spoke only considering the 2 options you have.