Engineering at University of North Carolina Asheville

UNC Asheville's engineering graduates earn $73,410 in their first year—above both the national median ($67,911) and North Carolina's median ($68,764)—while carrying just $31,000 in debt. That 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly five months of salary, which is exceptionally manageable and ranks in the 5th percentile nationally for debt burden. Among North Carolina's eight engineering programs, this performance places in the 60th percentile, trailing NC State but outpacing several larger tech-focused universities.

The trajectory looks solid: earnings climb 18% to nearly $87,000 by year four, suggesting graduates are advancing beyond entry-level positions. At an open-admission institution (94% acceptance rate) with average SAT scores around 1250, these outcomes represent strong value—students are accessing well-paying engineering careers without the pressure of highly selective admissions. The moderate sample size suggests a smaller but stable program.

For families weighing college costs, this program delivers engineering credentials with minimal debt and above-average earnings potential. The combination of accessible admission standards and strong post-graduation outcomes makes this a practical choice, particularly for North Carolina residents looking to avoid the six-figure debt loads that often accompany engineering degrees at private institutions.