UNC Pembroke maintains affordable costs that support its mission of educational access. The published cost of attendance reaches $16,854 annually, including $7,571 in out-of-state tuition, $11,016 for room and board, and $1,000 for books and supplies.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $17,261 |
| Tuition and Fees | $7,648 |
| Room and Board | $11,858 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$7,001 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $10,260 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $7,919 |
| $30–48k | $8,892 |
| $48–75k | $10,932 |
| $75–110k | $14,564 |
| $110k+ | $15,999 |
UNC Pembroke maintains affordable costs that support its mission of educational access. The published cost of attendance reaches $16,854 annually, including $7,571 in out-of-state tuition, $11,016 for room and board, and $1,000 for books and supplies. In-state students benefit from significantly lower tuition of $3,571.
However, the average student pays just $9,918 after financial aid, representing savings of $6,936 compared to sticker prices. This net price falls $4,175 above the peer median of $14,093, indicating that UNC Pembroke delivers education at lower costs than typical four-year institutions. The university's affordability supports its role in serving Pell-eligible and first-generation students who comprise significant portions of enrollment.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is moderate relative to earnings. Manageable for most graduates, but higher-debt borrowers should plan carefully.
UNC Pembroke graduates manage moderate debt levels that remain below peer institutions while supporting strong value-added outcomes. Median student debt reaches $25,000, with borrowing ranging from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $23,850 at the 75th percentile.
Compared to the peer median of $21,105, UNC Pembroke students borrow $3,895 more, though this difference reflects both program mix and student demographics rather than excessive borrowing. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 indicates manageable debt burdens relative to post-graduation income.
Parent PLUS loans show median borrowing of $10,000 with monthly payments of $132, representing additional family investment in education. The combination of moderate student debt levels with strong value-added earnings performance creates favorable conditions for loan repayment and long-term financial stability for graduates.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
UNC Pembroke delivers exceptional return on educational investment through earnings that substantially exceed demographic expectations. While graduates earn a median of $43,407 ten years after enrollment, the university generates $10,562 in earnings beyond what would be predicted for similar students, ranking at the 86.5th percentile nationally for value-added performance.
This represents well above average economic uplift despite modest absolute earnings levels. Compared to peer institutions, UNC Pembroke graduates earn $6,709 less annually but achieve outcomes that significantly exceed expectations given student backgrounds.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 supports manageable repayment timelines, while low net prices create favorable investment profiles. For students from underrepresented backgrounds, UNC Pembroke's combination of accessibility, affordability, and strong value-added outcomes provides meaningful pathways to economic advancement and career success.
UNC Pembroke's financial aid strategy prioritizes access for students from lower-income and first-generation backgrounds. With 47.6% of students receiving Pell grants, the university serves nearly twice the national average of Pell-eligible students.
The substantial gap between published costs ($16,854) and average net price ($9,918) indicates comprehensive aid packaging that combines federal, state, and institutional resources. Aid concentration toward lower-income tiers creates affordability for populations often priced out of higher education.
The university's ability to maintain low net prices while serving high percentages of aid-eligible students reflects both state support for public education and institutional commitment to access. This aid profile supports the university's strong performance in affordability rankings while enabling meaningful economic mobility outcomes for diverse student populations.
