Skip to main content

Best Value Liberal Arts and Sciences Colleges in North Carolina

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

Wake Technical Community College delivers strong value for Liberal Arts and Sciences students with a net cost of just $6,935, while NC State graduates earn $55,964 annually. This $49,029 earnings gap between the lowest and highest-earning programs reflects the field's flexibility across North Carolina's economy. Liberal arts graduates find opportunities in the Research Triangle's tech companies, Charlotte's banking sector, and the state's growing healthcare industry, where communication and analytical skills command premium salaries. The 20 programs range from $6,608 to $28,901 in net costs, with public universities like UNC Greensboro offering strong outcomes at $10,170 annually. Private colleges such as William Peace University charge $21,728 but produce graduates earning $40,467. North Carolina's liberal arts programs serve students across price points, from community colleges preparing transfer students to universities connecting graduates with major employers like Bank of America, Duke Energy, and IBM.
36
Programs
$6,608 – $41,048
Net Price Range
$29,662
Avg. Program Earnings
51.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

36 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,935 $33,993 $2,336 31.4%
2 $16,931 $55,964 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
3 $7,360 $22,572 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
4 $10,170 $27,907 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
5 $10,980 $27,254 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
6 $13,393 $25,774 $6,735 48.6% 73.4%
7 $21,728 $40,467 $33,150 44.3% 63.2%
8 $16,514 $29,564 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
9 $12,865 $21,850 $7,461 55.0% 74.3%
10 $15,662 $24,035 $18,296 27.1% 63.8%
11 $23,613 $31,670 $19,500 46.4% 97.2%
12 $16,487 $20,140 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
13 $20,011 $24,421 $20,480 34.1% 25.3%
14 $17,740 $16,896 33.2% 58.9%
15 $28,901 $40,408 52.1% 73.3%
16 $18,835 $32,236 56.3% 87.5%
17 $27,786 $43,285 65.9% 71.3%
18 $14,083 $17,176 20.2% 61.0%
19 $6,608 $10,646 46.4% 80.0%
20 $28,746 $64,758 90.9% 21.4%
21 $23,719 $40,290 43.2% 84.0%
22 $21,371 $40,196 46.8% 86.2%
23 $12,579 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
24 $21,953 $33,930 42.6% 69.1%
25 $9,918 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%
26 $19,472 $7,317 70.7% 68.8%
27 $18,165 $35,536 40.4% 68.4%
28 $15,028 $6,542 46.0% 84.4%
29 $12,983 $8,989 92.1% 17.1%
30 $23,393 $30,900 51.0% 82.9%
31 $19,314 $20,400 40.8% 84.3%
32 $41,048 $44,536 83.0% 74.5%
33 $16,189 $27,110 28.5% 86.7%
34 $18,210 $33,400 52.1% 67.1%
35 $23,991 $40,410 55.9% 88.6%
36 $23,665 $35,600 51.5% 94.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes NC State such a standout for Liberal Arts and Sciences earnings?

NC State graduates earn $55,964 annually, nearly double the $29,564 average at East Carolina University. The university's location in Raleigh provides direct access to Research Triangle employers seeking liberal arts graduates for project management, communications, and business analysis roles. With an 84.60% graduation rate and $16,931 net cost, NC State offers strong return on investment despite higher upfront expenses.

How do community college costs compare to four-year programs?

Wake Technical Community College charges just $6,935 net cost compared to $16,931 at NC State. Students can complete general education requirements at Wake Tech before transferring, potentially saving over $20,000 in total costs. The community college pathway works particularly well for Liberal Arts and Sciences students who plan to complete bachelor's degrees at universities.

Is private college worth the extra cost for Liberal Arts majors?

William Peace University graduates earn $40,467 annually despite paying $21,728 net cost, delivering better earnings than most public options. However, Johnson C Smith University charges $20,011 but produces graduates earning only $24,421. Private college value varies significantly, with some justifying higher costs through stronger career services and alumni networks.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in North Carolina?

Higher-cost programs generally show better completion rates, with NC State achieving 84.60% graduation at $16,931 net cost. However, UNC Asheville graduates 55% of students at just $12,865, proving affordable programs can maintain decent outcomes. Fayetteville State's 35.20% rate at $7,360 shows cost alone doesn't guarantee success.

Where do Liberal Arts graduates find jobs in North Carolina's economy?

Charlotte's banking sector employs liberal arts graduates in customer relations, compliance, and business development roles. The Research Triangle's tech companies hire for project coordination, content creation, and client services positions. Healthcare systems like Atrium Health and Duke Health recruit graduates for administrative, communications, and patient advocacy roles throughout the state.

More Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Rankings

Cheapest Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities in North Carolina Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Under $20,000 in North Carolina

Related

All Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs Best Colleges in North Carolina Best Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities in North Carolina

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