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

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

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

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 19.3 years at Wingate University, on median earnings of $54,967 vs $52,649 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of North Carolina WilmingtonWingate University
Net price / yr$20,109$20,748
Total net cost$80,436$82,992
Median earnings, 10 yrs$54,967$52,649
Median debt$19,500$25,000
Payback12.2 yrs19.3 yrs
20-year net return$51,704$2,788

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

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

University of North Carolina Wilmington, at $20,109 a year after aid versus $20,748 — a gap of $639 a year, or $2,556 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

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

University of North Carolina Wilmington graduates report a median $54,967 ten years after entry, $2,318 more than the $52,649 at Wingate 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.

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

University of North Carolina Wilmington: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Wingate University, a difference of $5,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

71% of students finish at University of North Carolina Wilmington, against 46% at Wingate 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 Wingate University: frequently asked questions

Is University of North Carolina Wilmington or Wingate University a better value?
University of North Carolina Wilmington. It clears its $80,436 net cost in about 12.2 years versus 19.3 years at Wingate University, on median earnings of $54,967 vs $52,649 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of North Carolina Wilmington or Wingate University?
University of North Carolina Wilmington: $20,109/yr net price after aid versus $20,748/yr at Wingate University — a difference of $639 a year, or about $2,556 over four years.
Do University of North Carolina Wilmington or Wingate University graduates earn more?
University of North Carolina Wilmington graduates earn a median $54,967 ten years after entry, versus $52,649 at Wingate University — a $2,318 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.