University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, North Carolina · Public · 64.2% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 59/100 · Below Average Value
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Below Average ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $7,277/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $24,152/yr |
| Average net price | $20,109/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $80,436 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,967 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $36,900 |
| Median debt at graduation | $19,500 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $207 |
| Estimated payback period | 11 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 70.6% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 14,922 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,778 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,572 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,378 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,046 |
| $110,001+ | $25,573 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of North Carolina Wilmington with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $86,606 | B+ |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $75,512 | B |
| Psychology | $49,609 | D |
| Biology | $60,750 | C |
| Communication and Media Studies | $54,315 | C |
| Teacher Education | $48,024 | C+ |
| Political Science and Government | $50,514 | C |
| Public Health | $60,722 | C |
| Computer Science | $88,219 | B |
| Natural Resources Conservation | $46,527 | D |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of North Carolina Wilmington is $7,277/year ($24,152/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $20,109/year, or roughly $80,436 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $10,778/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $25,573/year.
The median graduate leaves with $19,500 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $207 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $54,967 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.53 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 63.2% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 68.8% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 67.3% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 73.8% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 64.2% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 610-660 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 620-680 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 24-29 |
| Enrollment | 14,922 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 23.9% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $10,074 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Carolina Wilmington (this school) | 59 | $20,109 | $54,967 |
| Florida Gulf Coast University | 68 | $12,568 | $54,560 |
| East Carolina University | 61 | $15,739 | $55,146 |
| University of North Georgia | 61 | $9,823 | $50,135 |
| Appalachian State University | 58 | $16,836 | $51,836 |
| College of Charleston | 57 | $18,960 | $56,416 |
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
The financial case for University of North Carolina Wilmington is mixed. At $20,109 per year net cost, graduates earn a median of $54,967 ten years after entry - a payback period of 11 years. That's below the average return for four-year institutions, and prospective students should carefully consider whether the investment aligns with their financial goals.
Key strengths include a 70.6% graduation rate. However, the data also shows concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $19,500 against $54,967 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.