Wilmington, NC · Private University
Is University of North Carolina Wilmington Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$54,967
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$7,317
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$22,985
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$91,940
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.39x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
4.6 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
70.7%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$19,500
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$19,472
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
University of North Carolina Wilmington graduates earn $9,967 more 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 Wilmington ranked by graduate earnings
93 graduates
802 graduates
54 graduates
654 graduates
44 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at University of North Carolina Wilmington
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 Wilmington, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer Science: $80,714) and the lowest (Fine and Studio Arts: $27,708) is $53,006/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer ScienceBest ROI | $80,714 | 3.5x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $71,322 | 3.1x |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other | $64,596 | 2.8x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $63,879 | 2.8x |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General(1yr data) | $54,105 | 2.4x |
| Chemistry | $53,767 | 2.3x |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences | $48,613 | 2.1x |
| Political Science and Government | $48,480 | 2.1x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $44,581 | 1.9x |
| Sociology | $44,355 | 1.9x |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences | $44,009 | 1.9x |
| Biology, General | $43,383 | 1.9x |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions | $43,080 | 1.9x |
| Public Health | $42,907 | 1.9x |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $42,495 | 1.9x |
| Social Work | $42,444 | 1.9x |
| Special Education and Teaching | $42,392 | 1.8x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $42,225 | 1.8x |
| Psychology, General | $41,804 | 1.8x |
| Criminology | $41,747 | 1.8x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $41,584 | 1.8x |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies | $40,400 | 1.8x |
| Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology | $39,757 | 1.7x |
| History | $39,424 | 1.7x |
| International/Global Studies | $38,984 | 1.7x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $38,508 | 1.7x |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management | $37,282 | 1.6x |
| Anthropology | $36,370 | 1.6x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $32,012 | 1.4x |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $30,090 | 1.3x |
| Fine and Studio ArtsLowest | $27,708 | 1.2x |
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 Wilmington stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $54,967 10 years after starting, $9,967 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 4.6 years, faster than most colleges.
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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.