Asheville, NC · Private University
Is University of North Carolina Asheville Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$44,030
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$7,461
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$24,809
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$99,236
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.77x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
11 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
54.9%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$20,500
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$12,865
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
University of North Carolina Asheville graduates earn $970 less than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at University of North Carolina Asheville ranked by graduate earnings
43 graduates
46 graduates
19 graduates
25 graduates
68 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at University of North Carolina Asheville
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At University of North Carolina Asheville, the gap between the highest-earning major (Engineering, General: $86,814) and the lowest (Anthropology: $24,639) is $62,175/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering, GeneralBest ROI | $86,814 | 3.5x |
| Computer Science | $79,296 | 3.2x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $55,852 | 2.3x |
| Economics | $52,466 | 2.1x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $45,007 | 1.8x |
| Chemistry | $43,113 | 1.7x |
| Mathematics | $42,676 | 1.7x |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General | $38,451 | 1.6x |
| History | $37,461 | 1.5x |
| Public Health | $37,319 | 1.5x |
| Political Science and Government | $37,231 | 1.5x |
| Psychology, General | $37,132 | 1.5x |
| Sociology | $36,180 | 1.5x |
| Biology, General | $33,989 | 1.4x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $33,873 | 1.4x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $30,837 | 1.2x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $29,503 | 1.2x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $28,950 | 1.2x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $28,552 | 1.1x |
| AnthropologyLowest(1yr data) | $24,639 | 1.0x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
University of North Carolina Asheville offers solid financial returns relative to its cost. Graduates earn $44,030 10 years after starting, $970 below the national median of $45,000. At the current earnings trajectory, it takes approximately 11 years to recover the total cost of attendance.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.