Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 72.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 70.7%
- Retention Rate
- 85.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $54,967
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,500
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 62.8%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $207/mo
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 | $92,124 | $28,810 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $84,653 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $71,015 | $63,635 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $65,486 | $24,000 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $64,493 | $23,980 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $63,997 | |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Master | $60,957 | $20,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,253 | $15,128 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | Bachelor | $55,512 | |
| Chemistry. | Master | $55,108 | $24,355 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $48,432 | $30,854 |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | Bachelor | $46,478 | $23,421 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $45,715 | $26,000 |
| Social Work. | Master | $45,584 | $30,246 |
| Education, General. | Master | $44,897 | $28,227 |
Outcomes Overview
UNCW graduates enter the workforce with a median debt of $19,500, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio of 35% based on their $54,967 median earnings after ten years. Monthly loan payments of $207 represent just 4.6% of typical graduate income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The university's strong marine science programs and coastal location fuel careers in environmental consulting, marine research, and tourism management. Graduates also find opportunities in education, business, and healthcare throughout North Carolina's growing economy. With 96.2% of graduates employed and relatively low debt burdens compared to national averages, UNCW delivers a strong return on investment for students seeking career-focused education near the coast.