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 gives you one of the strongest public-school returns in North Carolina. You graduate with about $14,000 in median debt against $72,200 in median earnings a decade out, and the 92% graduation rate means you're very likely to actually finish and start earning. Low debt plus high completion is the core reason the math works here.
Business administration and computer science are the clear winners, both landing near $72,000-$74,000 with debt around $13,500-$14,200. Applied mathematics pays solidly too. Nursing and allied health graduates earn less, closer to $59,000, and nursing carries the highest debt on this list at nearly $20,000. That's still a livable return, but you should expect a longer payoff window than a business or CS degree.
The main financial risk is income-based. If your family earns over $110k, you pay about $24,000 a year, roughly double the sticker average and close to what some private schools cost after aid. At that price the return is still positive, but the cushion shrinks. Out-of-state costs, if they apply to you, would push this higher.
For lower- and middle-income families, this school is a bargain. Under $30k, you pay about $3,165 a year. between $30k and $48k, about $5,143. At those prices, almost any major here pays for itself quickly. The jump is steep once you cross $75k, where net price more than doubles from the tier below.
Go here if you're a North Carolina resident aiming at business, tech, or math, and especially if your family income is under $75k. If you're a high-income family drawn to nursing or allied health, run the numbers carefully,the earnings are lower and your net price is highest.
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.