At $9,918/yr net price, University of North Carolina at Pembroke graduates earn $43,407/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,407/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,918 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $39,672 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,407/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,407/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,922/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,526/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,905/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,204/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,323/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. | Bachelor | $57,149 | $27,250 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $52,464 | $23,250 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $49,683 | $25,064 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $49,019 | $48,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $46,321 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $45,221 | $37,174 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $43,674 | $41,000 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $42,998 | $25,000 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $42,868 | $57,500 |
| Social Work. | Master | $41,087 | $30,825 |
The Risk Factor
44.5% of students at University of North Carolina at Pembroke 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 Pembroke delivers weak financial returns that fall short of most investment benchmarks. With median earnings of $43,407 ten years after graduation and a concerning 44.5% graduation rate, your chances of completing a degree and earning a solid return are below average.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $57,149 in median earnings with reasonable debt of $27,250. Educational administration and business management also provide decent returns above $49,000 annually. However, public administration saddles you with $48,000 in debt for similar earnings, creating a poor value proposition.
The low graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. More than half of students leave without completing their degree while still carrying debt. The 70.86% retention rate signals early warning signs that many students struggle to stay enrolled.
UNCP makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing or education and can complete your degree within four years. The $9,918 net price provides genuine affordability for North Carolina residents. Students planning to stay in the rural southeastern region may find the alumni network and local connections valuable.
You should look elsewhere if you're considering liberal arts majors not listed among the top earners, or if you're an at-risk student who might not graduate. The combination of low completion rates and modest earnings makes this a risky investment for students who need strong financial returns or lack clear career direction.
Nearly half of students receive financial aid, suggesting the school works to keep costs manageable for low-income families. Focus on graduating quickly to maximize your return on this affordable but financially modest investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of North Carolina at Pembroke worth the cost?
UNC Pembroke offers decent value with a low net price of $9,918 and median debt of $25,000. However, the 44% graduation rate is concerning, and 10-year earnings of $43,407 are below average for college graduates.
What are the best paying programs at University of North Carolina at Pembroke?
Nursing programs offer the strongest ROI at UNC Pembroke, with registered nursing graduates earning around $57,149 annually. Educational administration and business programs also provide above-average returns compared to other majors at the school.
How much student debt do University of North Carolina at Pembroke graduates have?
UNC Pembroke graduates carry a median debt of $25,000, which is manageable given the low tuition costs. The affordable net price of under $10,000 per year helps keep borrowing reasonable for most students.
What is the graduation rate at University of North Carolina at Pembroke?
Only 44.5% of students graduate from UNC Pembroke within six years. This low completion rate is a major risk factor that significantly impacts the school's overall value proposition.