Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at University of North Carolina Wilmington vary significantly by field of study, with earnings ranging from $30,090 in Cinematography to $80,714 in Computer Science. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than reputation or prestige.
Analyzing 33 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size at University of North Carolina Wilmington.
#150 nationally
$65K median earnings
Computer Science leads earnings at $80,714, followed by Adult Health Nursing at $71,322 and Business Administration at $63,879. The earnings variation reflects different career paths and labor market demand across fields. The detailed earnings data in the tables below allows for direct comparison of financial outcomes across the university's program portfolio.
Several programs at University of North Carolina Wilmington achieve top state and national rankings across different fields. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing ranks #1 in North Carolina and #68 nationally, while Business Administration ranks #3 in North Carolina. Aquatic Biology/Limnology achieves #13 nationally despite smaller enrollment. The ranking data in the tables below shows how programs compare within their respective fields, providing context for program selection.
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, rank, debt, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at University Of North Carolina Wilmington.
Computer Science delivers the highest median earnings at $80,714 despite serving only 85 graduates annually. While ranking #147 nationally, the program provides strong technical preparation for software development and technology careers.
This program is best suited for students prioritizing earnings potential over large cohort sizes or top national rankings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | #150 | $80,714★ | $28,113 | 85 |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation labor market outcomes, not institutional prestige or academic reputation. Earnings differences occur because graduates enter different career fields with varied market demand and compensation structures. Computer Science graduates enter high-demand technology roles, while education and social service graduates often choose mission-driven careers with different salary expectations. Rankings are based on federal College Scorecard data requiring minimum cohort sizes, so some programs may not appear if enrollment is insufficient for reliable reporting. These outcomes represent median earnings of graduates who remain in the workforce rather than pursue immediate graduate study, providing insight into career-ready program performance. Students should consider both earnings potential and career satisfaction when evaluating programs, as some fields offer intangible benefits that may justify lower initial compensation. Value scores incorporate both earnings and debt levels to provide comprehensive program assessment beyond earnings alone.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
Value scores combine earnings and debt levels to assess overall program return on investment. Business Administration achieves an 85.8 value score with strong enrollment and earnings. Adult Health Nursing scores 75.5, reflecting high earnings with controlled debt. The value metrics in the tables below incorporate both financial outcomes and borrowing requirements to provide comprehensive program assessment.
Business and Health programs demonstrate excellent affordability ratings, with loan payments under 8% of discretionary income for typical graduates. Communication and Psychology programs show manageable affordability with payments between 12-18% of discretionary income. Environmental Science and Exercise Science require longer payoff periods but remain manageable for most graduates.
| Artificial Intelligence. |
| #211 |
| $45,715 |
| — |
| 37 |
Business Administration and Management stands out as the university's largest program, graduating 752 students with median earnings of $63,879 and ranking #3 in North Carolina. This program combines substantial enrollment with solid earnings outcomes, making it well-suited for students seeking broad business preparation with strong regional employment prospects and manageable debt levels.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #46 | $63,879 | $24,950 | 752 |
Health programs at University of North Carolina Wilmington deliver strong earnings outcomes with excellent return on investment. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing ranks #1 in North Carolina and graduates 727 students annually with median earnings of $71,322.
These programs demonstrate consistent career demand and provide clear pathways to stable, well-compensated careers in healthcare fields throughout the region.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #76 | $71,322★ | $18,624 | 727 |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | #10 | $64,596 | — | 46 |
| Animal-Assisted Therapy. | #22 | $43,080 | — | 49 |
| Behavioral Aspects of Health. | #65 | $42,907 | $30,507 | 90 |
Science programs show mixed outcomes, with Aquatic Biology/Limnology ranking #13 nationally despite moderate earnings of $39,757. Biology, General serves 191 students with earnings of $43,383.
These programs typically prepare students for graduate study or specialized career paths rather than immediate high-earning employment opportunities.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical Chemistry. | #83 | $53,767★ | — | 43 |
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #170 | $52,891 | — | 26 |
| Geochemistry and Petrology. | #65 | $44,009 | — | 27 |
| Biology, General. | #252 | $43,383 | $30,767 | 191 |
| Aquatic Biology/Limnology. | #14 | $39,757 | $42,849 | 84 |
Social science programs offer moderate earnings with varied career preparation paths. Psychology serves 222 graduates earning $41,804, while American Government and Politics produces $48,480 median earnings.
Criminology ranks #2 in North Carolina with solid earnings of $41,747. These programs suit students interested in public service, social work, or graduate study preparation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #192 | $48,480★ | — | 76 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #152 | $44,355 | — | 24 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #111 | $42,444 | — | 76 |
| Psychology, General. | #177 | $41,804 | $24,705 | 222 |
| Criminology. | #40 | $41,747 | $21,903 | 101 |
| Anthropology, General. | #75 | $36,370 | — | 20 |
Communication and Media Studies enrolls 242 students with median earnings of $44,581 and ranks #8 in North Carolina. This substantial program provides solid preparation for media, marketing, and communications careers.
The program offers reasonable earnings outcomes for students seeking creative communications roles with broader employment opportunities than specialized film production.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #133 | $44,581 | $29,869 | 242 |
Cinematography and Film/Video Production ranks #1 in North Carolina but produces the lowest median earnings at $30,090 among tracked programs. With 85 graduates annually, this program serves students pursuing creative careers where passion and artistic fulfillment may outweigh immediate financial returns in career planning considerations.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catalan Language and Literature. | #108 | $42,495★ | — | 39 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #135 | $42,225 | — | 59 |
| Creative Writing. | #25 | $40,400 | — | 43 |
| American History (United States). | #198 | $39,424 | — | 43 |
| Acting. | #53 | $32,012 | — | 33 |
| Cinematography and Film/Video Production. | #61 | $30,090 | $21,920 | 85 |
| Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other.Small sample | — | $28,228 | — | 15 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #241 | $27,708 | — | 34 |
Adult and Continuing Education serves 150 graduates earning $41,584 with ranking #4 in North Carolina. This education pathway focuses on non-traditional student populations and professional development.
The program suits students interested in educational leadership and continuing education administration rather than traditional classroom teaching roles.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed.Small sample | #80 | $42,392★ | — | 17 |
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #128 | $41,584 | $26,683 | 150 |
Environmental Science enrolls 124 students earning $38,508 with ranking #5 in North Carolina. While earnings remain moderate, this program serves students interested in environmental policy, conservation, and sustainability careers.
The program provides specialized preparation for environmental consulting and government positions requiring scientific expertise.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | #120 | $38,508 | $41,194 | 124 |
Exercise Science and Kinesiology serves 175 students with earnings of $40,728, ranking #11 in North Carolina. This program prepares students for fitness, rehabilitation, and sports medicine careers.
The moderate earnings reflect the diverse career paths available, from personal training to healthcare support roles requiring specialized movement science knowledge.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #163 | $40,728★ | — | 175 |
| International/Globalization Studies. | #46 | $38,984 | — | 52 |
| Golf Course Operation and Grounds Management. | #24 | $37,282 | — | 54 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
