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Head-to-head comparison

University of North Carolina Wilmington vs Campbell University: which has better ROI?

Public, Wilmington NC · vs · Private nonprofit, Buies Creek NC

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A Wilmington, NC

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Net price / year
$20,109
Earnings, 10 years
$54,967
Payback
12.2 yrs

Option B Buies Creek, NC

Campbell University

Net price / year
$24,516
Earnings, 10 years
$54,886
Payback
15 yrs
The verdict

University of North Carolina Wilmington has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $80,436 in 12.2 years versus 15 years at Campbell University, on median earnings of $54,967 vs $54,886 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of North Carolina WilmingtonCampbell University
Net price / yr$20,109$24,516
Total net cost$80,436$98,064
Median earnings, 10 yrs$54,967$54,886
Median debt$19,500$22,500
Payback12.2 yrs15 yrs
20-year net return$51,704$32,456

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

Which is cheaper, University of North Carolina Wilmington or Campbell University?

University of North Carolina Wilmington, at $20,109 a year after aid versus $24,516 — a gap of $4,407 a year, or $17,628 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do University of North Carolina Wilmington or Campbell University graduates earn more?

University of North Carolina Wilmington graduates report a median $54,967 ten years after entry, $81 more than the $54,886 at Campbell University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, University of North Carolina Wilmington or Campbell University?

University of North Carolina Wilmington: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $22,500 at Campbell University, a difference of $3,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

71% of students finish at University of North Carolina Wilmington, against 61% at Campbell University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

University of North Carolina Wilmington vs Campbell University: frequently asked questions

Is University of North Carolina Wilmington or Campbell University a better value?
University of North Carolina Wilmington. It clears its $80,436 net cost in about 12.2 years versus 15 years at Campbell University, on median earnings of $54,967 vs $54,886 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of North Carolina Wilmington or Campbell University?
University of North Carolina Wilmington: $20,109/yr net price after aid versus $24,516/yr at Campbell University — a difference of $4,407 a year, or about $17,628 over four years.
Do University of North Carolina Wilmington or Campbell University graduates earn more?
University of North Carolina Wilmington graduates earn a median $54,967 ten years after entry, versus $54,886 at Campbell University — a $81 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.