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Best Value Economics Colleges in North Carolina

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Duke University economics graduates command $90,856 in median earnings while carrying just $13,187 in debt, showcasing how elite private education can deliver strong financial returns. This stark contrast highlights North Carolina's economic education divide, where public options like UNC Greensboro offer $10,170 net costs but $35,060 earnings potential. The state's Research Triangle continues driving demand for economic analysts across tech firms like Red Hat and pharmaceutical giants, while Charlotte's banking sector creates opportunities at Bank of America and Wells Fargo headquarters. UNC Chapel Hill bridges this gap effectively, combining a manageable $12,983 net price with $51,794 graduate earnings and a 92% graduation rate. North Carolina's 15 economics programs span from ultra-affordable public universities to premium private institutions, reflecting the state's position as both an emerging tech center and traditional manufacturing center. Students can leverage the NC Need-Based Scholarship program to reduce costs further, making quality economic education accessible across income levels throughout this economically varied state.
25
Programs
$10,170 – $41,048
Net Price Range
$46,058
Avg. Program Earnings
63.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

25 Economics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,983 $51,794 $8,989 92.1% 17.1%
2 $10,170 $35,060 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
3 $10,980 $37,208 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
4 $12,865 $42,682 $7,461 55.0% 74.3%
5 $34,454 $90,856 $65,805 95.8% 6.4%
6 $16,487 $39,369 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
7 $16,514 $35,518 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
8 $28,746 $55,693 $64,758 90.9% 21.4%
9 $21,200 $28,212 $41,140 47.7% 83.5%
10 $41,048 $44,189 $44,536 83.0% 74.5%
11 $18,835 $32,236 56.3% 87.5%
12 $14,745 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
13 $19,472 $7,317 70.7% 68.8%
14 $23,393 $30,900 51.0% 82.9%
15 $23,719 $40,290 43.2% 84.0%
16 $13,393 $6,735 48.6% 73.4%
17 $28,901 $40,408 52.1% 73.3%
18 $20,197 $43,936 65.0% 73.2%
19 $20,011 $20,480 34.1% 25.3%
20 $40,721 $44,208 70.0% 78.9%
21 $24,137 $33,450 61.7% 75.0%
22 $18,127 $60,300 91.9% 17.0%
23 $18,210 $33,400 52.1% 67.1%
24 $23,991 $40,410 55.9% 88.6%
25 $23,613 $19,500 46.4% 97.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes UNC Chapel Hill such strong value for economics students?

UNC Chapel Hill delivers $51,794 median graduate earnings at just $12,983 net cost, creating an outstanding return on investment. The program maintains a 92% graduation rate with only 17% acceptance rate, indicating both selectivity and student success. Economics graduates benefit from proximity to Research Triangle employers and strong alumni networks across North Carolina's financial and tech sectors.

How do private university economics programs compare to public options in North Carolina?

Private universities like Duke and Wake Forest produce higher median earnings of $90,856 and $55,693 respectively, but require net costs exceeding $28,000. Public alternatives such as NC A&T and UNC Greensboro cost under $11,000 annually while delivering $35,000-$37,000 earnings potential. The earnings premium for private education ranges from $16,000 to $55,000 annually, depending on career trajectory and networking opportunities.

Is debt load reasonable for economics graduates in North Carolina?

Most North Carolina economics programs maintain manageable debt levels, with Duke graduates averaging just $13,187 despite premium tuition costs. UNC Chapel Hill keeps debt at $14,135 while public universities like NC A&T average $26,000. The debt-to-income ratios remain favorable across programs, with most graduates earning sufficient salaries to manage repayment comfortably within standard timeframes.

Does location within North Carolina affect economics career prospects?

Charlotte and the Research Triangle offer the strongest economics career opportunities, with banking headquarters and tech companies providing abundant entry-level positions. UNC Charlotte's $14,745 net cost positions graduates well for local banking careers, while Chapel Hill and Duke feed directly into Triangle research firms. Graduates from programs in smaller cities like Boone or Asheville often relocate to these economic centers for optimal career advancement.

What graduation rates should economics students expect in North Carolina?

Elite programs like Duke and UNC Chapel Hill achieve graduation rates above 90%, while most public universities range from 55% to 75%. UNC Asheville maintains 55% graduation rates at $12,865 net cost, while Appalachian State reaches 73% for $16,487 annually. Private colleges show mixed results, with Elon achieving 83% success rates but smaller institutions like Warren Wilson dropping to 43% completion.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.