At $12,372/yr net price, University of North Carolina School of the Arts graduates earn $38,357/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,357/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,372 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $49,488 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,357/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,357/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 11.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 79.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,870 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,932/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,698/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,547/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,768/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,061/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | Master | $48,041 | |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | Bachelor | $32,213 | $23,500 |
| Music. | Master | $29,141 | |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Bachelor | $22,917 | $26,139 |
| Dance. | Bachelor | $18,771 | $22,454 |
The Risk Factor
79.2% of students at University of North Carolina School of the Arts graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 21% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of North Carolina School of the Arts delivers weak financial returns despite its low public tuition costs. The $38,357 median earnings lag significantly behind national averages, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio even with the relatively modest $23,870 median debt load.
Your choice of major makes an enormous difference here. Drama and stagecraft graduates earn $48,041 annually, making this program financially viable at the school's price point. Music majors fare worse at $29,141, while film students face serious financial headwinds earning just $22,917 against $26,139 in debt. Dance majors confront the bleakest outlook, earning $18,771 annually with over $22,000 in debt.
The school's location in Winston-Salem limits high-paying creative industry opportunities compared to major arts markets like New York or Los Angeles. Most graduates likely need to relocate for better-paying positions, adding relocation costs to their financial burden.
This school works financially if you're pursuing drama or stagecraft and can keep borrowing minimal. North Carolina residents benefit most from the in-state tuition advantage. The 79% graduation rate suggests most students complete their programs, but the low financial aid participation rate of 25% indicates limited scholarship opportunities.
Skip this school if you're considering film, photography, or dance unless family financial support eliminates borrowing needs. The earning potential in these fields cannot justify the debt, even at public school prices. You'll find better ROI at state universities with broader career services and alumni networks in higher-paying regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of North Carolina School of the Arts worth the cost?
UNCSA has a relatively low net price at $12,372 per year, but graduates earn just $38,357 annually after 10 years. This creates a challenging return on investment, especially for students in lower-earning programs like dance and film.
Which programs at University of North Carolina School of the Arts have the best ROI?
Drama and stagecraft programs offer the strongest earning potential at around $48,000 annually, while dance graduates earn only $18,771. Music and film programs fall in between but still provide modest returns given the arts industry landscape.
How much debt do University of North Carolina School of the Arts graduates typically have?
The median debt is $23,870, which represents about 62% of first-year earnings for graduates. This debt-to-income ratio is manageable compared to many arts schools, though still requires careful financial planning.
Does University of North Carolina School of the Arts provide good financial aid?
With a net price of $12,372 for in-state students, UNCSA offers reasonable affordability for a specialized arts education. The low sticker price helps keep debt levels lower than typical private arts conservatories.