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
UNC Greensboro gives you a low-cost entry point with middling payoff. At just over $10,000 a year net price, you carry modest debt of about $22,800 by graduation, but median earnings of $48,160 ten years out sit close to what many state schools return. The math works if you keep costs down and pick the right major.
Computer science is the clear winner here, paying $68,443 against debt that barely exceeds the school median. Nursing follows at $58,823, a strong return backed by regional hospital demand in the Piedmont Triad. After that, the payoff drops fast. Finance and accounting land in the low $40,000s, below the school-wide median earnings figure, so a business degree here does not guarantee you beat the average graduate. Computer systems networking comes in even lower at $40,233 while carrying the highest debt of the top five programs, which is a poor trade.
The main financial risk is the graduation rate. At 57.9%, roughly four in ten students do not finish in the measured window, and the 75.79% retention rate means one in four freshmen leave after year one. Debt without a degree is the worst outcome, and those odds are real here.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your household earns under $30,000, you pay about $6,479 a year. over $110,000, you pay $18,076. That spread makes UNCG a genuine bargain if you qualify for the bottom tiers and pick computer science or nursing.
This school fits you if you want an affordable public degree and commit to a high-paying major. Look elsewhere if you are set on business and want top earnings, or if you are unsure you will finish, since the completion odds turn the low sticker price into a gamble.
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.