Liberal Arts & Humanities 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 & Humanities 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 & Humanities. 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 & Humanities 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 & Humanities 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

Liberal Arts & Humanities at Other Schools

Other Majors at North Carolina Central University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

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 & Humanities at North Carolina Central University?
At 26/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Liberal Arts & Humanities programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is North Carolina Central University a good choice for Liberal Arts & Humanities 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 →