University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$35,956
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$22,057/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
1.6 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
1127%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduates earn a median of $51,058, which increases to $57,057 after five years, and $72,200 after ten years. The median debt for graduates is $14,000. The annual in-state tuition is $8,989.
The data does not provide enough information to calculate a debt-to-income ratio or a break-even timeline. The data only provides the median debt and earnings, not the specific income used to pay off the debt.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$8,989
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$57,057
Graduation Rate
92%
Receive Financial Aid
18%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $167,290 | 7258% |
| Communication and Media Studies | $59,487 | 1262% |
| Biology, General | $41,546 | 264% |
| Psychology, General | $46,914 | 563% |
| Economics | $79,084 | 2352% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $47,623 | 602% |
| Political Science and Government | $58,890 | 1229% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $99,235 | 3473% |
| Area Studies | $43,478 | 372% |
| Accounting and Related Services | $88,128 | 2855% |
| Public Health | $73,369 | 2034% |
| Law | $95,481 | 3264% |
Peer Comparison
1127%
20yr ROI
664%
20yr ROI
630%
20yr ROI
726%
20yr ROI
584%
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.