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Head-to-head comparison

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

Public, Wilmington NC · vs · Private nonprofit, Charlotte 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 Charlotte, NC

Queens University of Charlotte

Net price / year
$30,857
Earnings, 10 years
$57,673
Payback
13.3 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 13.3 years at Queens University of Charlotte, on median earnings of $54,967 vs $57,673 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of North Carolina WilmingtonQueens University of Charlotte
Net price / yr$20,109$30,857
Total net cost$80,436$123,428
Median earnings, 10 yrs$54,967$57,673
Median debt$19,500$25,000
Payback12.2 yrs13.3 yrs
20-year net return$51,704$62,832

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 Queens University of Charlotte?

University of North Carolina Wilmington, at $20,109 a year after aid versus $30,857 — a gap of $10,748 a year, or $42,992 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 Queens University of Charlotte graduates earn more?

Queens University of Charlotte graduates report a median $57,673 ten years after entry, $2,706 more than the $54,967 at University of North Carolina Wilmington. 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 Queens University of Charlotte?

University of North Carolina Wilmington: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Queens University of Charlotte, a difference of $5,500. 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 Queens University of Charlotte. 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 Queens University of Charlotte: frequently asked questions

Is University of North Carolina Wilmington or Queens University of Charlotte a better value?
University of North Carolina Wilmington. It clears its $80,436 net cost in about 12.2 years versus 13.3 years at Queens University of Charlotte, on median earnings of $54,967 vs $57,673 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of North Carolina Wilmington or Queens University of Charlotte?
University of North Carolina Wilmington: $20,109/yr net price after aid versus $30,857/yr at Queens University of Charlotte — a difference of $10,748 a year, or about $42,992 over four years.
Do University of North Carolina Wilmington or Queens University of Charlotte graduates earn more?
Queens University of Charlotte graduates earn a median $57,673 ten years after entry, versus $54,967 at University of North Carolina Wilmington — a $2,706 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.