University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$28,856
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$13,812/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
2.1 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
857%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, University of North Carolina at Charlotte alumni earn a median of $44,953, which is approximately 6.2 times the in-state tuition cost of $7,214. Five years after graduation, the median earnings increase to $48,812. Ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $57,289. The median debt for graduates is $21,500.
The debt-to-income ratio, calculated by dividing the median debt by the one-year earnings, is approximately 0.48. This indicates that the median debt is about half of the graduates' annual earnings one year after graduation.
Based on the provided data, it would take approximately six months for a graduate to earn the equivalent of their median debt. This is calculated by dividing the median debt of $21,500 by the average monthly earnings of $3,746 (calculated from the one-year earnings of $44,953).
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$7,214
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$48,812
Graduation Rate
69%
Receive Financial Aid
41%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies. | $28,856 | $47,815 | 788% |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | $28,856 | $0 | N/A |
| Psychology, General. | $28,856 | $40,332 | 270% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | $28,856 | $65,028 | 1981% |
| Biology, General. | $28,856 | $44,526 | 560% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $28,856 | $53,976 | 1215% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | $28,856 | $45,493 | 627% |
| Marketing. | $28,856 | $55,979 | 1354% |
| Political Science and Government. | $28,856 | $47,682 | 779% |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $28,856 | $76,149 | 2752% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $28,856 | $66,479 | 2082% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | $28,856 | $40,186 | 259% |
Peer Comparison
857%
20yr ROI
696%
20yr ROI
783%
20yr ROI
818%
20yr ROI
1032%
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.