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's financial return is mixed, and your major decides which side you land on. As a public liberal arts school, the median graduate earns about $44,000 ten years out, which sits below what a four-year degree usually promises. The good news is that debt stays low at graduation, so you are not digging out of a deep hole while your paycheck catches up.
The split between programs is sharp. Engineering and Computer Science graduates clear $58,000 to $63,000, roughly $20,000 more than the median. Economics lands near the school average. Accounting and Mathematics fall below it, with Mathematics graduates earning under $34,000 while carrying $24,000 in debt, more than Engineering majors who out-earn them by nearly $30,000. If you pick a low-paying major here, the numbers work against you.
The specific risk is finishing. Only 55% of students graduate and 73% return after year one, so more than a quarter of a class leaves early. Leaving with debt and no degree is the worst outcome, and it happens to a real share of students here. Asheville's regional economy leans on tourism, healthcare, and services, so outside engineering and tech, high-paying local jobs are limited.
The price tiers reward lower-income families most. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $6,500 a year. that jumps past $17,000 once income tops $110,000. Middle-income families in the $48,000 to $75,000 range pay around $13,000, close to the sticker price.
This school fits you if you plan to major in engineering or computer science, or if you qualify for the lower price tiers and will finish on time. Look elsewhere if you are aiming for a lower-earning major and would pay the full net price without a clear plan to graduate.
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.