University of North Carolina Asheville ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$29,844
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$1,947/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
15.3 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
30%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The University of North Carolina Asheville has a high acceptance rate of 93.9% and a graduation rate of 56.8%. The average in-state tuition is $7,461. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $28,475, increasing to $36,947 after five years, and $44,030 after ten years. The median debt for graduates is $20,500, and 39% of students receive financial aid.
Based on the provided data, the earnings-to-tuition ratio is favorable. The one-year earnings are nearly four times the cost of tuition. The debt-to-income ratio is also favorable, with the median debt being less than the one-year earnings.
The break-even timeline, or the time it takes for earnings to surpass the debt, is less than one year. The tuition cost is paid off quickly, and the earnings increase substantially over time.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$7,461
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$36,947
Graduation Rate
57%
Receive Financial Aid
39%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General | $37,132 | 43% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $45,007 | 571% |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $33,873 | N/A |
| Biology, General | $33,989 | N/A |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $30,837 | N/A |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General | $38,451 | 131% |
| Public Health | $37,319 | 55% |
| Engineering, General | $86,814 | 3372% |
| English Language and Literature, General | $29,503 | N/A |
| Communication and Media Studies | $28,950 | N/A |
| Chemistry | $43,113 | 444% |
| Political Science and Government | $37,231 | 50% |
Peer Comparison
30%
20yr ROI
29%
20yr ROI
-71%
20yr ROI
2%
20yr ROI
-21%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.