Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 56.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 55.0%
- Retention Rate
- 73.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $44,030
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,500
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 60.4%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $217/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $63,005 | $30,513 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $58,885 | $22,147 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $18,971 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $19,550 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $24,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $32,711 | $18,856 |
| Public Health. | Bachelor | $31,447 | $21,500 |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $31,133 | $12,825 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $28,816 | $22,228 |
| History. | Bachelor | $25,774 | $16,313 |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General. | Bachelor | $25,596 | $22,582 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $25,194 | $21,718 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $24,164 | $19,500 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $23,456 | $23,250 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $22,930 | $22,354 |
Outcomes Overview
UNCA graduates face a challenging financial reality despite solid employment prospects. With a 94.6% employment rate, most Bulldogs find work quickly after graduation. However, the typical graduate earns $28,475 in their first year while carrying $20,500 in debt. Monthly loan payments of $217 consume roughly 9% of gross income initially. Earnings improve to $42,931 by year five, making payments more manageable. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.73 is reasonable for a liberal arts education. Many graduates enter nonprofit work, education, and creative fields that align with UNCA's liberal arts mission but offer modest starting salaries. The mountain setting attracts students who prioritize quality of life over maximum earnings. Overall, UNCA provides an average return on investment.