Location: Wilmington, NC•In-State Tuition: $7,317•Out-of-State Tuition: $22,985•Admission Rate: 74%•Avg SAT: 1262
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$81,841
Est. from NC median (4 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$24,250
Est. from NC median (3 programs)

Analysis

A $24,250 debt load for estimated first-year earnings of $81,841 creates a manageable 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio—well within the conventional threshold for a comfortable payoff. Based on comparable Computer Engineering programs in North Carolina, these figures suggest graduates should be able to handle their loans without strain. The estimated earnings align almost exactly with the state median and sit above the national benchmark of $78,952, positioning UNCW's program competitively within both contexts.

However, the fact that both earnings and debt figures are derived from peer programs rather than reported outcomes for UNCW specifically introduces meaningful uncertainty. The school's relatively accessible admission profile (74% acceptance rate, 1262 average SAT) differs notably from programs like Duke or NC State that report stronger earnings. Whether UNCW's graduates achieve outcomes similar to the state median—or fall closer to UNC Charlotte's $71,117—remains unknown due to insufficient graduate sample size.

For parents evaluating this investment, the estimated numbers paint an encouraging financial picture, but the lack of school-specific data means you're betting on UNCW matching the performance of its peer institutions. If your student is admitted to NC State or NC A&T (both with reported data showing solid outcomes), those programs offer more certainty about what to expect post-graduation.

Where University of North Carolina Wilmington Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer engineering bachelors's programs nationally

University of North Carolina Wilmington (estimated ±10%)Other computer engineering programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina

Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (9 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
University of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmington$7,317$81,841*—$24,250*—
Duke UniversityDurham$65,805$111,145*$137,144$14,500*0.13
North Carolina State University at RaleighRaleigh$8,895$82,997*$90,912$24,250*0.29
North Carolina A & T State UniversityGreensboro$6,748$80,685*—$31,000*0.38
University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte$7,214$71,117*$90,188$21,875*0.31
National Median—$78,952*—$24,500*0.31
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Hardware Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

$155,020/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Network Architects

Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
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 Wilmington, approximately 24% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 4 similar programs in NC. Actual outcomes may vary.