Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies at University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UNC Charlotte's Ethnic Studies program charges premium debt—$31,000 versus the state median of $27,210—but delivers top-tier outcomes that justify the cost. Graduates earn $37,411 in their first year, placing them in the 80th percentile among North Carolina programs and well above both the state median ($29,723) and national median ($31,459). This isn't a case of overpaying for average results; you're getting measurably better earnings for moderately higher debt.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.83 is manageable, meaning graduates owe less than one year's salary. More importantly, earnings grow to nearly $39,000 by year four, showing stability rather than the downward trajectory some humanities programs face. When the top program in the state (UNC Greensboro) earns the same as the state median and UNC Chapel Hill lags behind at $26,342, Charlotte's premium becomes clear—it's outperforming flagship competition.
For families concerned about return on investment in a cultural studies field, this program offers unusual reassurance. The combination of strong placement outcomes, reasonable debt burden, and sustained earnings growth makes this a standout option in North Carolina. The moderate sample size suggests consistent rather than anomalous results.
Where University of North Carolina at Charlotte Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all ethnic, cultural minority, gender, and group studies bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of North Carolina at Charlotte graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of North Carolina at Charlotte graduates earn $37k, placing them in the 77th percentile of all ethnic, cultural minority, gender, and group studies bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (15 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte | $37,411 | $38,994 | $31,000 | 0.83 |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro | $29,723 | $28,447 | $27,210 | 0.92 |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | $26,342 | $42,261 | $12,870 | 0.49 |
| National Median | $31,459 | — | $23,000 | 0.73 |
Other Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Programs in North Carolina
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across North Carolina schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro | $7,593 | $29,723 | $27,210 |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill | $8,989 | $26,342 | $12,870 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of North Carolina at Charlotte, approximately 34% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 42 graduates with reported earnings and 48 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.