University of North Carolina School of the Arts
University of North Carolina School of the Arts — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of North Carolina School of the Arts at a Glance
The University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) is a public art school in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It grants a high school diploma, in addition to both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Founded in 1963 as the North Carolina School of the Arts by then-Governor Terry Sanford, it was the first public arts conservatory in the United States. The school owns and operates the Stevens Center in Downtown Winston-Salem and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schoo…
1963
63 years old
$47M
$46.7 million (2024)
1,144
739 undergrad · 124 grad
186
Identity
Is University of North Carolina School of the Arts Worth It?
University of North Carolina School of the Arts offers moderate value at $14,906/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $38,357, which is 29% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 78% graduation rate means roughly 22% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Admission is competitive with a 30% acceptance rate, so applicants should have strong academic credentials.
With median debt of $23,870 representing 62% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
How University of North Carolina School of the Arts compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #13 of 44 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | North Florida College | 100 | $804 | $33,929 |
| #3 | Alpena Community College | 100 | $3,320 | $36,442 |
| #4 | American Samoa Community College | 89 | $3,386 | $30,087 |
| #5 | Grays Harbor College | 75 | $4,783 | $40,865 |
| #6 | Bay Mills Community College | 74 | $3,073 | $30,048 |
| #13 | University of North Carolina School of the Arts | 50 | $14,906 | $38,357 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of North Carolina School of the Arts's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at University of North Carolina School of the Arts
The highest-earning program at University of North Carolina School of the Arts is Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at $29,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Film/Video and Photographic Arts at $17,500/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduate from University of North Carolina School of the Arts earns $29,900, while a Film/Video and Photographic Arts graduate earns $17,500. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Film/Video and Photographic Arts.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $14,906/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $29,900 | $29,900 | $27,000 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $17,500 | $17,500 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in NC
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Winston Salem, NC
- Student Body
- 945 students
- Admission Rate
- 30%
- Graduation Rate
- 78%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $14,906
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $38,357
- Median Student Debt
- $23,870