Students at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke benefit from exceptional affordability and strong access, with net prices well below national averages across all income levels.
The university provides meaningful earnings beyond expectations for graduates, demonstrating genuine value despite modest absolute earnings outcomes.
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke serves as an accessible public institution that prioritizes affordability and broad access, though it faces challenges in delivering strong long-term earnings outcomes. Located in southeastern North Carolina, UNCP enrolls a diverse student body where nearly half receive Pell Grants and more than one-third are first-generation college students. The university maintains very low net prices across all income levels, making it one of the most affordable options in the state.
While UNCP excels at opening doors for underserved populations, graduates earn a median of $43,407 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution in the bottom quartile nationally for earnings outcomes. However, the university does provide meaningful earnings beyond expectations, with graduates earning about $10,562 more than similar students at comparable institutions. This suggests that while absolute earnings may be modest, UNCP adds genuine value for the students it serves.
As a medium-sized public university, UNCP fills an important role in North Carolina's higher education landscape by providing educational access to students who might not otherwise attend college. The institution's commitment to affordability and inclusion makes it a viable option for families prioritizing cost control and educational opportunity over maximum earnings potential.
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke's program portfolio reflects its mission to prepare students for public service and helping professions. Corrections Administration stands out as both the largest program by economic impact and a solid career pathway, graduating 133 students annually who earn around $32,082 in stable criminal justice careers. This program combines substantial enrollment with predictable employment outcomes in law enforcement and corrections.
Nursing represents the university's highest-earning field, with Adult Health Nursing graduates earning approximately $57,149 ten years out. This reflects the strong regional demand for healthcare professionals and the university's success in preparing students for well-compensated medical careers. Applied/Public Sociology, with 109 graduates earning about $26,037, demonstrates UNCP's strength in social work and community service preparation.
While Psychology graduates see more modest earnings around $24,863, this field remains popular and provides foundational preparation for various career paths or graduate study. The university's program mix emphasizes practical, career-focused education in fields that serve community needs, even if they don't generate the highest salaries. For students committed to public service careers, UNCP provides solid professional preparation at an exceptionally affordable price point.
Graduates of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke see modest but meaningful long-term financial outcomes. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $43,407, which places the university in the lower tier nationally for absolute earnings. However, UNCP graduates earn about $10,562 more than similar students at other institutions, demonstrating that the university provides genuine value beyond what might be expected given its student profile and resources.
Program outcomes vary significantly by field of study. Nursing stands out as the highest-earning major, with Adult Health Nursing graduates earning around $57,149 ten years out, reflecting the strong demand for healthcare professionals in North Carolina. Corrections Administration, the university's largest program by total economic impact, graduates 133 students annually who earn about $32,082, combining solid enrollment with stable career prospects in criminal justice. Applied/Public Sociology represents the largest single program with 109 graduates earning around $26,037, while Psychology majors see more modest outcomes at approximately $24,863.
The university's program mix reflects its mission to serve students interested in public service, healthcare, and social work careers. While these fields may not generate the highest absolute salaries, they offer stable employment and meaningful work that aligns with many students' values and career goals. For students entering these service-oriented professions, UNCP provides solid preparation at an exceptionally affordable price point.
Decomposes the earnings-above-expectation score into program mix, labor market alignment, and the remaining institutional residual.
Negative program contribution values reflect how the school's mix compares with the model, not that the school is weak in that field.
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke stands out for its exceptional affordability across all income levels. Low-income students pay just $7,922 per year in net price, well below national averages and among the lowest in North Carolina. Middle-income families see annual costs of $10,905, while even high-income students pay only $15,323, making UNCP accessible to families across the economic spectrum. This pricing structure reflects the university's commitment to keeping higher education affordable and accessible.
Debt levels remain very manageable for most students. Typical graduates leave with $25,000 in federal student loan debt, a reasonable amount given current higher education costs. Parent PLUS borrowing averages just $10,000, indicating that most families can cover a substantial portion of costs through grants, work, and savings rather than heavy borrowing. The university reports a 0% federal loan default rate, suggesting that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations despite modest earnings levels.
What makes UNCP particularly sustainable is the relationship between its low costs and graduate earnings. While median earnings of $43,407 may seem modest, they provide adequate capacity to service the typical debt load. The combination of very low net prices and reasonable debt levels creates a financial pathway that works for many students, especially those from families where college attendance might otherwise be financially prohibitive.
University Of North Carolina At Pembroke Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
