Students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill achieve exceptional long-term earnings that place the university among the very best public institutions nationwide for financial outcomes.
Graduates consistently access high-paying careers while benefiting from some of the strongest financial aid programs among flagship universities.
Azimuth ranks the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill among the top public universities nationwide, reflecting its exceptional combination of strong earnings outcomes and relatively affordable access for admitted students. UNC Chapel Hill delivers some of the highest long-term earnings among public institutions, with graduates earning a median of $72,200 ten years after enrollment, placing the university in the 93rd percentile nationally for graduate earnings.
What makes UNC particularly compelling is its ability to maintain affordability alongside these strong outcomes. Low-income students pay just $3,165 annually after aid, while middle-income families see net costs around $11,220 per year. Even high-income families pay $24,077, which remains reasonable for a flagship research university of this caliber.
As a highly selective institution admitting roughly 20% of applicants, UNC attracts academically strong students from across North Carolina and beyond. The university's position as a "Selective Achiever" reflects its strong outcomes for the students it enrolls, though access remains more limited for low-income and first-generation students compared to less selective public universities. For families who can navigate the admissions process, UNC offers an exceptional return on investment with the prestige and alumni network of a top-tier research university.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a comprehensive range of programs with particularly strong outcomes in business, technology, and professional fields. Business Administration, with 358 graduates annually, leads in early-career earnings at approximately $73,823, while Computer Science graduates 379 students with strong pay around $72,083. These programs represent UNC's highest aggregate return majors, combining substantial enrollment with excellent financial outcomes.
The university's program portfolio reflects its position as a comprehensive research university with strength across multiple disciplines. Beyond the standout business and computer science programs, UNC graduates students into competitive fields including healthcare, law, education, and public service. The diversity of strong programs means students can pursue their academic interests while still accessing the career networks and earning potential that make UNC graduates so successful in the job market.
As a flagship research university, UNC provides the scale and reputation that matter for employer recruitment and alumni networking. The combination of academic rigor, research opportunities, and national recognition creates pathways to high-mobility careers in finance, consulting, technology, and other sectors where UNC's brand recognition opens doors that continue benefiting graduates throughout their careers.
Graduates of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill achieve exceptional long-term financial outcomes that place the university among the top public institutions nationwide. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $72,200, ranking in the 93rd percentile nationally and reflecting the strong career trajectories that UNC alumni typically follow. The university's graduates consistently access high-paying careers in business, technology, healthcare, and other professional fields that provide substantial earning power throughout their careers.
Program-level outcomes show particular strength in business and technology fields. Business Administration graduates, with 358 students annually, earn around $73,823 early in their careers, representing one of UNC's highest-earning and most popular majors. Computer Science, with 379 graduates, delivers strong early earnings of approximately $72,083 and represents the program with the highest aggregate return due to its combination of solid enrollment and excellent pay outcomes. These technical and professional programs drive much of UNC's overall earnings advantage and connect graduates to high-mobility career paths in finance, consulting, technology, and other sectors that reward UNC's academic reputation.
The university's strong alumni network and national recognition help graduates access competitive opportunities across the country. UNC's combination of academic rigor, research opportunities, and employer recognition creates pathways to careers that continue paying dividends well beyond the early career years, explaining why long-term earnings remain so consistently strong.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers exceptional affordability, particularly for low- and middle-income families, ranking in the 90th percentile nationally for affordability outcomes. Low-income students pay just $3,165 per year after financial aid, making UNC one of the most affordable flagship universities in the country for Pell-eligible families. Middle-income families see annual net costs around $11,220, while even high-income families pay $24,077 annually, which remains competitive for a research university of UNC's caliber and national reputation.
Debt levels remain manageable for most graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $14,000 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $23,332. These moderate debt levels, combined with UNC's strong graduate earnings, create a sustainable financial picture for most families. The university's generous financial aid program, supported by both state funding and institutional resources, helps keep borrowing reasonable even as students access a premium educational experience.
UNC's combination of strong aid and excellent outcomes means that graduates can comfortably manage their debt obligations. With median earnings of $72,200 ten years out, most borrowers can handle standard repayment without financial strain, and the university's loan repayment rates consistently exceed national averages, reflecting both the financial preparation students receive and the career outcomes they achieve after graduation.
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
