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Best Value History Colleges in North Carolina

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

Duke University's History graduates command the highest salaries among North Carolina programs at $52,941, yet the most affordable option comes from UNC Pembroke at just $9,918 net cost. This creates a striking $42,000 gap in educational investment across the state's History programs. North Carolina's varied economy offers History majors opportunities in the Research Triangle's government contractors, Charlotte's banking sector where analytical skills prove valuable, and the state's growing tourism industry centered around historical sites. UNC Chapel Hill stands out with a 92.1% graduation rate despite producing graduates earning $25,525, while private institutions like Warren Wilson College charge $23,719 but see only 43.2% of students complete their degrees. The state's public universities dominate the value market, with seven institutions keeping net costs below $17,000. History programs here benefit from North Carolina's role in American history, providing access to primary sources and internship opportunities at historical societies, museums, and preservation organizations throughout the region.
49
Programs
$6,608 – $41,048
Net Price Range
$30,829
Avg. Program Earnings
53.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

49 History Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,170 $32,498 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
2 $14,745 $33,993 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
3 $16,514 $38,018 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
4 $15,028 $32,162 $6,542 46.0% 84.4%
5 $12,865 $25,774 $7,461 55.0% 74.3%
6 $12,983 $25,525 $8,989 92.1% 17.1%
7 $16,931 $32,925 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
8 $16,487 $26,933 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
9 $21,200 $33,993 $41,140 47.7% 83.5%
10 $34,454 $52,941 $65,805 95.8% 6.4%
11 $28,746 $41,789 $64,758 90.9% 21.4%
12 $9,918 $13,702 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%
13 $19,472 $25,194 $7,317 70.7% 68.8%
14 $23,719 $26,739 $40,290 43.2% 84.0%
15 $23,613 $24,730 $19,500 46.4% 97.2%
16 $41,048 $26,353 $44,536 83.0% 74.5%
17 $17,740 $16,896 33.2% 58.9%
18 $18,165 $35,536 40.4% 68.4%
19 $21,728 $33,150 44.3% 63.2%
20 $21,953 $33,930 42.6% 69.1%
21 $27,786 $43,285 65.9% 71.3%
22 $26,328 $33,860 40.6% 68.1%
23 $18,835 $32,236 56.3% 87.5%
24 $33,756 $30,800 27.1% 64.8%
25 $6,608 $10,646 46.4% 80.0%
26 $21,371 $40,196 46.8% 86.2%
27 $13,393 $6,735 48.6% 73.4%
28 $12,579 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
29 $18,866 $16,000 29.2% 52.0%
30 $19,314 $20,400 40.8% 84.3%
31 $23,665 $35,600 51.5% 94.6%
32 $21,376 $31,250 39.0% 39.9%
33 $23,991 $40,410 55.9% 88.6%
34 $18,210 $33,400 52.1% 67.1%
35 $16,189 $27,110 28.5% 86.7%
36 $18,127 $60,300 91.9% 17.0%
37 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
38 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
39 $24,137 $33,450 61.7% 75.0%
40 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
41 $40,721 $44,208 70.0% 78.9%
42 $20,011 $20,480 34.1% 25.3%
43 $25,765 $31,140 44.2% 61.3%
44 $23,393 $30,900 51.0% 82.9%
45 $15,662 $18,296 27.1% 63.8%
46 $20,313 $37,270 41.9% 74.2%
47 $20,197 $43,936 65.0% 73.2%
48 $24,978 $39,664 40.1% 75.7%
49 $17,893 $25,950 47.5% 74.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $39,000 salary difference between Duke and UNC Pembroke History graduates?

Duke graduates earn $52,941 compared to UNC Pembroke's $13,702, reflecting differences in alumni networks, geographic opportunities, and institutional resources. Duke's 95.8% graduation rate and 6.35% acceptance rate indicate highly selective admission standards that correlate with post-graduation success. UNC Pembroke serves a different student population with an 89.74% acceptance rate, often providing access to students who might not otherwise attend college. The earning gap also reflects regional employment patterns, as Duke graduates often access positions in major metropolitan areas.

How do North Carolina's public universities compare for History value?

UNC Greensboro offers the best public value at $10,170 net cost with graduates earning $32,498 annually. UNC Charlotte provides strong earning potential at $33,993 for a $14,745 investment, while East Carolina delivers the highest public school earnings at $38,018. Most public institutions maintain graduation rates between 55% and 73%, with UNC Chapel Hill as the notable exception at 92.1%. The in-state tuition advantage is significant, with most public schools charging under $8,000 before aid.

Is the high cost of private History programs justified by outcomes?

Private institutions show mixed value propositions, with costs ranging from $19,500 at Belmont Abbey to $65,805 at Duke. Wake Forest charges $64,758 but delivers strong outcomes with 90.9% graduation rates and $41,789 earnings. However, several private schools like Warren Wilson and Guilford show concerning patterns with graduation rates below 50% despite costs exceeding $20,000. Duke and Wake Forest justify their premium pricing through superior graduation rates and earning potential, while other private options struggle to demonstrate clear value.

Does student debt burden vary significantly across History programs?

Student debt ranges from $13,000 at Duke to $30,747 at North Carolina Central University, creating different financial pressures post-graduation. UNC Chapel Hill and NC State keep debt loads reasonable at $14,250 and $16,500 respectively, while maintaining strong graduation rates. The debt-to-earnings ratio becomes concerning at schools like UNC Pembroke, where $27,000 in debt accompanies $13,702 starting salaries. Most public institutions maintain debt levels between $16,000 and $25,000, providing manageable repayment scenarios for typical History graduate salaries.

Where do graduation rates signal program strength in North Carolina?

UNC Chapel Hill leads with 92.1% graduation rates, followed by Duke at 95.8% and Wake Forest at 90.9%. NC State achieves 84.6% graduation rates while maintaining reasonable costs, indicating strong student support systems. Several institutions show concerning patterns, with UNC Pembroke at 44.5%, Warren Wilson at 43.2%, and North Carolina Central at 46.0%. These low completion rates suggest students may struggle with academic preparation, financial pressures, or institutional support, making program selection critical for student success.

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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.