At $10,170/yr net price, University of North Carolina at Greensboro graduates earn $48,160/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,160/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,170 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $40,680 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,160/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,160/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 57.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,858 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,479/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,141/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,295/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,056/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,076/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $139,500 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $94,408 | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Certificate | $82,440 | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Master | $68,666 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $68,443 | $24,403 |
| Education, General. | Doctoral | $67,101 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $64,121 | $33,363 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | Master | $63,749 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $59,253 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,823 | $21,150 |
The Risk Factor
57.9% of students at University of North Carolina at Greensboro 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
University of North Carolina at Greensboro offers weak overall financial returns despite its low net price of around $10,000 annually. The median graduate earns just $48,160 ten years after enrollment, creating a concerning gap between education costs and career outcomes.
Your major choice determines everything at UNCG. Nursing graduates command $139,500 annually, making the program strong value given the low tuition. Educational administration and computer networking also deliver strong returns above $80,000. However, these high-paying programs represent a small fraction of graduates. Most majors lead to earnings barely above the national median for high school graduates.
The school carries specific risks beyond weak earnings. Only 58% of students graduate, meaning four in ten never complete their degree while still carrying debt. The 76% retention rate signals students struggle academically or financially during their first year. You face real odds of leaving without a degree but with loans to repay.
UNCG works financially if you can secure admission to nursing or select technical programs and have strong academic preparation to avoid the graduation risk. The low tuition makes these high-return majors genuinely affordable. Students considering liberal arts, general business, or other common majors should look elsewhere for better career preparation.
Nearly half of students receive financial aid, and the median debt load of $22,858 remains manageable for graduates in high-paying fields. However, this same debt becomes problematic for the majority earning under $50,000. Focus on the specific program outcomes rather than the attractive sticker price when evaluating UNCG.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of North Carolina at Greensboro worth the cost?
UNCG offers decent value for students who choose high-paying programs like nursing or educational administration. However, with median earnings of $48,160 ten years after graduation and a 58% graduation rate, many students struggle to see strong returns on their investment.
What programs at University of North Carolina at Greensboro have the best ROI?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning around $139,500, followed by educational administration at $94,408. Computer science and networking programs pay significantly less at $68,000-82,000, while many other majors fall well below the school's median earnings.
How much debt do University of North Carolina at Greensboro students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $22,858, which is manageable compared to many schools. With the low net price of $10,170 per year, students who graduate on time can avoid excessive borrowing.
What are the biggest risks of attending University of North Carolina at Greensboro?
The 58% graduation rate means over 4 in 10 students leave without a degree but often with debt. Students in lower-paying programs may struggle to justify even the relatively low costs given the modest earning potential.