At $12,865/yr net price, University of North Carolina Asheville graduates earn $44,030/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,030/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,865 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $51,460 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,030/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,030/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,513/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,674/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,105/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,977/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,721/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
55.0% of students at University of North Carolina Asheville graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
UNC Asheville delivers weak financial returns despite its affordable public school pricing. The median graduate earns just $44,030 ten years after enrollment, significantly below national averages for four-year degree holders in a region where living costs continue rising.
Engineering and computer science majors buck this trend with strong earnings potential at $63,005 and $58,885 respectively. These programs justify their higher debt loads and position graduates well in Charlotte's growing tech sector. Economics graduates earn a modest $42,682, while accounting majors face concerning prospects at $38,289 despite reasonable debt levels.
The school's 55% graduation rate creates substantial financial risk. Nearly half of students accumulate debt without earning their degree, making UNC Asheville particularly risky for students who struggle academically or lack clear career direction. The 73% retention rate signals that many students recognize early this may not be the right fit.
Liberal arts majors should approach cautiously. The school's strength in humanities and social sciences doesn't translate to strong earning power in Western North Carolina's limited job market. Students planning graduate school might find value here as a low-cost stepping stone, but those seeking immediate employment after graduation face challenging prospects.
Financial aid reaches only 31% of students, suggesting limited merit scholarship opportunities. Your best strategy involves completing your degree quickly and choosing a high-earning major. Students without strong academic records or clear STEM interests should consider community college transfer programs or larger universities with more diverse alumni networks and career services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of North Carolina Asheville worth the cost for most students?
With median earnings of $44,030 ten years after graduation and a low net price of $12,865 annually, UNC Asheville offers reasonable value for in-state students. However, the 55% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish their degrees.
What are the best paying majors at University of North Carolina Asheville?
Engineering graduates earn around $63,005 annually, while computer science majors make about $58,885. Liberal arts programs like mathematics ($33,993) and economics ($42,682) offer more modest returns but still reasonable outcomes given the low cost.
How much student debt do University of North Carolina Asheville graduates typically have?
The median debt load of $20,500 is manageable compared to national averages. With the low annual net price, most students can graduate without excessive borrowing if they complete their degree.
Does University of North Carolina Asheville have good job placement after graduation?
The school's 74% acceptance rate and modest graduate earnings suggest it serves students who might not access higher-tier universities. While outcomes vary by major, the combination of low cost and reasonable debt levels makes it a solid choice for students seeking an affordable bachelor's degree.