At $15,662/yr net price, Livingstone College graduates earn $32,600/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,662 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $62,648 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,600/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,400/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $31,125 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,621/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,018/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,327/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,544/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,006/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $32,711 | $33,625 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 | $34,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $25,194 | $31,500 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $24,035 | $27,000 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $20,687 |
The Risk Factor
27.1% of students at Livingstone College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Livingstone College presents serious financial risks that outweigh potential returns for most students. With median post-graduation earnings of $32,600 against $31,125 in typical debt, you face a debt-to-income ratio that will strain your budget for years.
Criminal Justice offers the strongest earning potential at $32,711, but even this top program saddles graduates with $33,625 in debt for modest income gains. Business Administration and Biology both lead to starting salaries around $25,000 while carrying over $31,000 in debt. Social Work graduates earn just $20,687 annually, creating an unsustainable financial burden.
The 27% graduation rate signals that most students leave without a degree but often with debt. Even if you complete your program, the low earnings across all majors make debt repayment challenging in North Carolina's job market.
Livingstone makes financial sense only if you receive substantial aid that dramatically reduces your net costs or if you plan to pursue graduate school where your undergraduate institution matters less than your academic performance. Students considering business, biology, or social work should explore community college transfer pathways or state universities with stronger employment outcomes.
The 84% of students receiving financial aid suggests the school offers need-based assistance, but this aid rarely covers enough to justify the poor return on investment. Your money and time generate better returns at North Carolina public universities or community colleges with transfer agreements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Livingstone College worth the cost?
With graduates earning $32,600 after 10 years and median debt of $31,125, Livingstone College offers limited financial return on investment. The 27% graduation rate means most students don't complete their degree, making the financial risk substantial.
What are the highest paying majors at Livingstone College?
Criminal Justice graduates earn the most at $32,711 annually, while most other programs pay around $25,000. Even the top-paying program barely exceeds the overall graduate average of $32,600.
How much debt do Livingstone College students graduate with?
Students graduate with $31,125 in median debt, which nearly equals their first-year salary of $32,600. This debt-to-income ratio makes loan repayment challenging for most graduates.
What is the graduation rate at Livingstone College?
Only 27% of students graduate from Livingstone College. This means nearly three out of four students leave without a degree, often still carrying student loan debt.