At $12,983/yr net price, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduates earn $72,200/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $38,200/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,983 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $51,932 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $72,200/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$38,200/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 92.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,165/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,143/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,220/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,106/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,077/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $127,836 | $90,800 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $103,078 | $146,598 |
| Public Health. | Certificate | $91,744 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $86,036 | $41,000 |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $82,440 | $214,834 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $73,823 | $14,239 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $72,083 | $13,500 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $68,666 | $65,082 |
| Applied Mathematics. | Bachelor | $67,660 | $14,135 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $63,275 |
The Risk Factor
92.1% of students at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
UNC Chapel Hill delivers strong financial returns with a median net price under $13,000 and graduate earnings of $72,200 after ten years. The combination of low cost and solid outcomes makes this one of the better ROI public universities in the country.
Business administration graduates earn nearly $128,000 annually, making it the clear financial winner despite higher debt loads of $90,800. Public health and nursing also provide strong returns with more manageable debt burdens. Pharmacy graduates face significant debt of $146,598 but earn over $103,000, creating a workable payoff timeline. Dentistry presents the riskiest financial profile with debt exceeding $214,000 against lower-than-expected earnings of $82,440.
Your biggest financial risk is missing out on in-state tuition. Out-of-state students pay dramatically more and should carefully evaluate whether the premium justifies the cost when compared to their home state flagship. The 92% graduation rate reduces the risk of paying for an unfinished degree.
This school works best financially for North Carolina residents who can access the low net price and for students targeting business, public health, or nursing careers. Students considering pharmacy or dentistry should model debt payments carefully before committing. With only 20% of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities appear limited for most families.
If you can attend as an in-state student and avoid the highest-debt programs, UNC Chapel Hill offers excellent value. Out-of-state students should compare total costs against similar-quality options in their home states before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill worth the cost?
UNC Chapel Hill offers strong ROI with a low net price of $13,000 annually and graduates earning $72,200 after 10 years. The combination of affordable tuition and high earning potential makes it a solid financial choice for most students.
What are the best paying majors at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
Business administration leads with average earnings of $127,836, followed by pharmacy at $103,078. Even lower-paying programs like nursing still generate $86,000 annually, well above the national average.
How much student debt do University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduates have?
UNC Chapel Hill graduates carry a median debt of just $14,000, significantly lower than the national average. The low debt burden combined with strong earnings makes loan repayment manageable for most graduates.
Does University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill provide good financial aid?
Yes, UNC Chapel Hill keeps costs low with an average net price of $13,000 per year after aid. The school's commitment to affordability, especially for in-state students, makes quality education accessible without crushing debt.