Students at the University of North Carolina Wilmington achieve strong long-term financial outcomes, with graduates earning more than typical public university students nationwide.
The university combines selective admissions with solid career preparation, resulting in strong earnings potential and excellent loan repayment success.
Azimuth ranks the University of North Carolina Wilmington 157th out of 729 public four-year institutions nationwide, placing it in the 78th percentile for overall value. UNCW stands out as a selective public university that combines academic quality with meaningful long-term financial outcomes. With about 24% of students receiving Pell Grants and 26% being first-generation college students, the university maintains a balance between accessibility and selectivity that appeals to families seeking a quality education without the premium pricing of private institutions.
Graduates earn a median of $54,967 ten years after enrollment, positioning UNCW in the top 30% nationally for long-term earnings among public universities. The university's strength lies in professional programs like nursing, business administration, and computer science, which consistently deliver strong career outcomes. Located in coastal North Carolina, UNCW offers the academic breadth of a comprehensive university while maintaining a more intimate campus environment than many flagship institutions.
What makes UNCW particularly appealing is its ability to serve students from diverse backgrounds while maintaining strong graduation rates and career preparation. The university's position as a "Selective Achiever" reflects its success in delivering solid outcomes for the students it enrolls, making it an attractive option for families seeking predictable returns on their educational investment.
The University of North Carolina Wilmington's program portfolio reflects a strategic focus on career-oriented fields that translate directly into employment opportunities. Nursing dominates both in scale and economic impact, graduating 727 students annually with strong median earnings of $59,253, making it the university's most significant economic engine. This program's success reflects both regional healthcare demand and UNCW's established reputation in health sciences education.
Business Administration represents the university's largest single program with 752 graduates earning median salaries of $43,201, providing a solid foundation for careers across multiple industries. Computer Science, while smaller with 85 graduates, delivers some of the highest earnings at $64,493, reflecting the strong demand for technology skills in North Carolina's growing tech sector. These programs demonstrate UNCW's ability to balance broad access with specialized, high-return career preparation.
The university's program mix also includes unique offerings like Aquatic Biology, which graduates 84 students with more modest initial earnings of $22,444 but leads to specialized careers in marine science and environmental research. This diversity allows UNCW to serve students with varied interests while maintaining its core strength in professional programs that provide clear pathways to stable, well-paying careers in healthcare, business, and technology.
University of North Carolina Wilmington graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $54,967 ten years after enrollment. This places UNCW in the 70th percentile nationally among public universities for graduate earnings, reflecting the institution's strength in career-focused programs and professional preparation. The university's diverse academic portfolio supports varied career paths, from healthcare and business to technology and marine sciences.
Nursing stands out as UNCW's highest-return program, graduating 727 students with median earnings of $59,253 and representing the university's largest economic impact. Business Administration, the most popular major with 752 graduates, produces median earnings of $43,201, while Computer Science graduates, though fewer in number at 85 students, achieve some of the highest earnings at $64,493. These programs reflect UNCW's focus on practical, career-oriented education that translates directly into employment opportunities.
The university's location in coastal North Carolina provides graduates access to diverse job markets, from the Research Triangle's technology sector to the region's growing healthcare and business services industries. While some programs like Aquatic Biology show more modest early earnings at $22,444, they often lead to specialized career paths in environmental science and marine research that can develop strong long-term potential.
The University of North Carolina Wilmington offers reasonable affordability across income levels, with net prices that remain manageable for most North Carolina families. Low-income students pay approximately $11,837 annually, which is competitive among public universities, while middle-income families face costs around $18,377 per year. Higher-income families see net prices of about $25,018, reflecting the university's commitment to need-based aid while maintaining accessible pricing for middle-class students.
Debt levels at UNCW are moderate and sustainable given graduate earning potential. Typical students leave with about $19,500 in federal loan debt, a manageable amount considering the university's median graduate earnings of nearly $55,000. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $19,501, indicating that many families choose to share the financial responsibility rather than placing the entire burden on students. With a 0% federal loan default rate, UNCW graduates demonstrate strong ability to manage their educational debt successfully.
The university's pricing structure reflects its position as a quality public institution that provides good value without the premium costs associated with flagship universities or private colleges. For North Carolina residents especially, UNCW represents an accessible path to a comprehensive university education with predictable costs and strong financial outcomes.
University Of North Carolina Wilmington Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
