Computer and Information Sciences at University of North Carolina Wilmington

UNCW's computer science program sits right at North Carolina's median for both earnings ($54,105) and debt ($27,000), but that positioning tells two different stories. While half of NC's CS programs produce stronger earnings—including some public alternatives like UNC Charlotte ($60,639) and ECU ($69,442)—your student is also avoiding the inflated debt loads common at many tech programs nationwide.

The $27,000 debt figure is actually lower than three-quarters of CS programs nationally, which matters given that first-year earnings trail the national median by about $7,200. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 is manageable, meaning graduates could reasonably pay off loans within a few years if they prioritize it. The real question is whether UNCW's campus environment and coastal location justify accepting middle-of-the-pack North Carolina tech earnings when stronger-paying public options exist in-state at similar price points.

For families prioritizing Wilmington's lifestyle or already committed to UNCW, this program won't derail financial plans—the debt is conservative and earnings support independence. But if your student is primarily career-focused and flexible on location, exploring Charlotte or ECU could mean $6,000-$15,000 more annually right out of the gate, a significant difference when compounded over a career.