Winston Salem, NC · Private University
Is University of North Carolina School of the Arts Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$38,357
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$9,477
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$27,211
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$108,844
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.41x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
32.4 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
79.2%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$23,870
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$12,372
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
University of North Carolina School of the Arts graduates earn $6,643 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 School of the Arts ranked by graduate earnings
86 graduates
105 graduates
40 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at University of North Carolina School of the Arts
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Film/Video and Photographic ArtsBest ROI | $37,583 | 1.4x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $28,178 | 1.0x |
| Dance | $21,890 | 0.8x |
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 School of the Arts delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $38,357 10 years after starting, $6,643 below the national median of $45,000. At the current earnings trajectory, it takes approximately 32.4 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.