University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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
vs 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 is more than five times the in-state tuition cost of $8,989. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $57,057, and ten years after graduation, earnings reach $72,200. The median debt for graduates is $14,000, and 18.3% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio for graduates is favorable. With a median debt of $14,000 and a starting salary of $51,058, the debt represents a small fraction of annual earnings. The break-even point, or the time it takes to earn back the tuition cost, is less than one year, based on the first-year earnings.
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
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $35,956 | $167,290 | 7258% |
| Communication and Media Studies. | $35,956 | $59,487 | 1262% |
| Biology, General. | $35,956 | $41,546 | 264% |
| Psychology, General. | $35,956 | $46,914 | 563% |
| Economics. | $35,956 | $79,084 | 2352% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $35,956 | $105,246 | 3807% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | $35,956 | $47,623 | 602% |
| Political Science and Government. | $35,956 | $58,890 | 1229% |
| Area Studies. | $35,956 | $43,478 | 372% |
| Accounting and Related Services. | $35,956 | $88,128 | 2855% |
| Law. | $35,956 | $95,481 | 3264% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $35,956 | $65,538 | 1599% |
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)
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.