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Liberal Arts and Sciences at North Carolina Central University

Durham, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
26 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
27
Optimistic
26
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,522/yr (-23% vs median)
AI Risk Low (0% exposed)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)
ROI 16.0x earnings multiple (5.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #325 of 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $417K $417K $393K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.0x 16.0x 15.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.3x 5.3x 5.0x
Probability of Field Employment 45% 45% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 26 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$26,168
Out-of-state: $78,312 (5.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$60,112
-130% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,500
11.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $28,522/yr fall 23% below the $37,172 national median for Liberal Arts and Sciences. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 16.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most career paths mapped to Liberal Arts and Sciences involve work that current AI cannot replicate.

At $27,500 against $28,522/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #325 ranking among 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs places North Carolina Central University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About North Carolina Central University

North Carolina Central University has a 90% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 5,400 students in Durham, NC. 57% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at North Carolina Central University →

Top Career Paths

Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490/yr
View all 1 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 424 schools offering Liberal Arts and Sciences →

Liberal Arts and Sciences at Other Schools

Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($103,135) DePaul University ($84,066) Molloy College ($74,868) Bentley University ($72,333) Champlain College ($71,207) Georgetown University ($66,719) Thomas More University ($62,607) Drexel University ($62,470)

Other Majors at North Carolina Central University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($76,142) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($74,597) Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration ($62,022) Accounting and Related Services ($48,489) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($46,773) Public Health ($38,198) Social Sciences, General ($35,978) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($35,819)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Liberal Arts and Sciences trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 26/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Liberal Arts and Sciences at North Carolina Central University?
At 26/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Liberal Arts and Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is North Carolina Central University a good choice for Liberal Arts and Sciences despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If North Carolina Central University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →