University of North Carolina Wilmington maintains moderate costs typical of public universities, with a published cost of attendance reaching $25,913 annually. This includes $22,985 in out-of-state tuition, though in-state students pay significantly less at $7,317.
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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) | $26,547 |
| Tuition and Fees | $24,152 |
| Room and Board | $14,268 |
| Books and Supplies | $860 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$6,438 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $20,109 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $10,778 |
| $30–48k | $12,572 |
| $48–75k | $17,378 |
| $75–110k | $24,046 |
| $110k+ | $25,573 |
University of North Carolina Wilmington maintains moderate costs typical of public universities, with a published cost of attendance reaching $25,913 annually. This includes $22,985 in out-of-state tuition, though in-state students pay significantly less at $7,317. Room and board costs $12,605, while books and supplies add $1,130.
However, the average student pays considerably less through financial aid, with the average net price of $19,472 representing $6,441 in financial aid savings. Compared to peer institutions with a median net price of $15,590, University of North Carolina Wilmington costs $3,882 more annually, though this difference reflects the university's higher published prices rather than inadequate aid. The net price varies significantly by family income, ranging from $11,837 for families earning under $30,000 to $25,018 for families earning over $110,000.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Student debt levels at University of North Carolina Wilmington remain manageable relative to graduate earnings and national averages. Median debt reaches $19,500, matching the peer median of $20,000 and indicating controlled borrowing patterns.
Debt distribution ranges from $7,500 at the 25th percentile to $25,802 at the 75th percentile, showing most students avoid excessive borrowing. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 falls within reasonable bounds, meaning typical graduates owe about 35% of their first-year post-graduation salary in student loans.
This ratio supports sustainable repayment without overwhelming graduates' budgets or limiting career flexibility. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $19,501 with monthly payments of $257, representing additional family investment in education.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University of North Carolina Wilmington presents a mixed investment profile with strengths in debt control and accessibility alongside concerns about earnings performance. While graduates earn $15,479 below expectations based on student demographics, placing the university at the 6th percentile for earnings uplift, absolute median earnings of $54,967 rank at the 57th percentile nationally.
The controlled debt environment, with median borrowing of $19,500 matching peer averages, creates favorable conditions for loan repayment and financial stability. Graduates earn $5,576 less annually than the peer median of $60,543, though this gap reflects the university's student composition and program mix rather than institutional failure.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 indicates graduates can manage loan payments without financial distress. For students prioritizing access and moderate costs over maximum earnings potential, University of North Carolina Wilmington delivers reasonable return on investment.
University of North Carolina Wilmington enrolls 23.8% Pell-eligible students, indicating nearly a quarter of students come from families earning under $50,000 annually and receive federal need-based grants. The substantial financial aid savings of $6,441 on average demonstrates the university's commitment to making education affordable through institutional and federal aid programs.
The progressive net price structure, where the lowest-income families pay less than half the amount of highest-income families, reflects targeted aid allocation that concentrates resources on students with greatest financial need. Transfer students comprise 37.8% of enrollment, many of whom may benefit from lower community college costs before transferring to complete bachelor's degrees at University of North Carolina Wilmington.
The university's aid profile suggests effective packaging of federal, state, and institutional resources to support access for North Carolina residents and students from diverse economic backgrounds, particularly those qualifying for need-based assistance programs.
