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Cheapest Liberal Arts and Sciences Colleges in North Carolina

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Chapel Hill graduates with Liberal Arts and Sciences degrees face a striking reality: despite attending the state's most selective program with a 17% acceptance rate, their median earnings of $21,850 fall below community college counterparts. Wake Technical Community College graduates earn $33,993 annually, demonstrating how practical skills can outweigh institutional reputation in North Carolina's job market. The state's 15 most affordable programs range from $6,608 to $16,487 in net costs, with public universities dominating the market. North Carolina's Research Triangle and Charlotte banking sector increasingly value adaptable liberal arts graduates who can analyze data, communicate effectively, and think critically across industries. However, the earnings gap between the highest-performing UNC Chapel Hill graduates and those from regional universities like Fayetteville State reveals significant variation in career outcomes within the same field.
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 In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,608 $10,646 46.4% 80.0%
2 $6,935 $2,336 31.4%
3 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
4 $9,918 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%
5 $10,170 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
6 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
7 $12,579 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
8 $12,865 $7,461 55.0% 74.3%
9 $12,983 $8,989 92.1% 17.1%
10 $13,393 $6,735 48.6% 73.4%
11 $14,083 $17,176 20.2% 61.0%
12 $15,028 $6,542 46.0% 84.4%
13 $15,662 $18,296 27.1% 63.8%
14 $16,189 $27,110 28.5% 86.7%
15 $16,487 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
16 $16,514 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
17 $16,931 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
18 $17,740 $16,896 33.2% 58.9%
19 $18,165 $35,536 40.4% 68.4%
20 $18,210 $33,400 52.1% 67.1%
21 $18,835 $32,236 56.3% 87.5%
22 $19,314 $20,400 40.8% 84.3%
23 $19,472 $7,317 70.7% 68.8%
24 $20,011 $20,480 34.1% 25.3%
25 $21,371 $40,196 46.8% 86.2%
26 $21,728 $33,150 44.3% 63.2%
27 $21,953 $33,930 42.6% 69.1%
28 $23,393 $30,900 51.0% 82.9%
29 $23,613 $19,500 46.4% 97.2%
30 $23,665 $35,600 51.5% 94.6%
31 $23,719 $40,290 43.2% 84.0%
32 $23,991 $40,410 55.9% 88.6%
33 $27,786 $43,285 65.9% 71.3%
34 $28,746 $64,758 90.9% 21.4%
35 $28,901 $40,408 52.1% 73.3%
36 $41,048 $44,536 83.0% 74.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $13,853 earnings difference between Wake Tech and Fayetteville State graduates?

Wake Technical Community College graduates earn $33,993 compared to Fayetteville State's $22,572, reflecting the community college's focus on job-ready skills. Wake Tech emphasizes transferable credits and career preparation that aligns with North Carolina's tech and healthcare growth. Fayetteville State's broader liberal arts approach may require additional graduate education for comparable earning potential. The 31.4% graduation rate at Wake Tech also suggests more selective completion among students who finish their programs.

How does UNC Chapel Hill's 92.1% graduation rate compare to other affordable options?

UNC Chapel Hill's 92.1% graduation rate far exceeds other schools on this list, with Appalachian State's 73.1% coming closest. The next highest rate belongs to Western Carolina at 59.1%, showing a significant drop-off from the flagship university. Shaw University posts the lowest completion rate at 20.2%, despite charging $14,083 in net costs. This data suggests that selectivity and institutional support systems significantly impact student success rates.

Is debt load consistent across North Carolina's affordable liberal arts programs?

Student debt varies dramatically, from UNC Chapel Hill's low $13,000 median to Fayetteville State's $29,890. Most public universities cluster between $18,000 and $27,500 in student debt. UNC Asheville graduates carry just $18,000 in debt while earning $21,850 annually, creating a more manageable debt-to-income ratio. Private schools like Livingstone College burden students with $27,000 in debt for $24,035 in median earnings.

Does acceptance rate correlate with program affordability in North Carolina?

Acceptance rates show little correlation with net costs, ranging from UNC Chapel Hill's selective 17% to UNC Greensboro's open 91.94%. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary accepts 80% of applicants while charging just $6,608 net cost. North Carolina A&T maintains moderate selectivity at 56% acceptance with competitive outcomes. The most affordable schools often maintain reasonable admission standards while keeping costs low through state funding and efficient operations.

Where do North Carolina liberal arts graduates find the best career prospects?

The Research Triangle area offers the strongest job market, with companies like IBM, SAS, and Duke Energy seeking analytical and communication skills. Charlotte's banking sector employs liberal arts graduates in roles requiring critical thinking and client interaction. Wake Technical's location in Raleigh explains its graduates' $33,993 median earnings, benefiting from proximity to state government and tech companies. Rural campuses like UNC Pembroke may offer lower living costs but fewer immediate career opportunities.

More Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Rankings

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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.