Rankings / By State
Best Master's Programs in North Carolina
- 50
- Schools
- $50,382
- Avg. Earnings
- 54%
- Avg. Graduation
- $19,657
- Avg. Net Price
- $23,805
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 50 schools run from $32,600 to $97,800, a 3.0× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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Elizabeth City State University delivers the most for the money: roughly $40,026 in median earnings against $6,364 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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Elizabeth City State University is the lowest-cost school here at $6,364 a year in net price.
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Duke University graduates 96% of its students, versus a 54% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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Duke University carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.13× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- Elizabeth City State University costs $6,364 a year and Elon University costs $41,555. Yet their graduates earn $40,026 and $74,545, nowhere near the $35,191 price gap.
- On value, Elizabeth City State University beats Duke University: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
- Graduation rates split the field: Duke University finishes 96% of students while Shaw University finishes 21%. Same ranking, very different odds of leaving with a degree.
The Takeaway
The schools that win this ranking are not the priciest or the most selective. They turn students into earners without burying them in debt, which is exactly what our outcomes-first methodology is built to surface.
What This Means for Students
If you are choosing from this list, start with Elizabeth City State University and Duke University. Pull each school's net price for your income band, weigh projected earnings against the debt you would take on, and let payoff rather than prestige drive your shortlist.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on the outcomes that actually compound — graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value — using federal tax-records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $48K ten years out.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-06-12
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Duke University #1 overall | $97,800 ▲ +94% vs avg | $29,612 | 96% | 81 |
| 2 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill #2 overall | $72,200 ▲ +43% vs avg | $11,655 | 92% | 80 |
| 3 Davidson College #3 overall | $81,400 ▲ +62% vs avg | $17,379 | 91% | 78 |
| $78,158 ▲ +55% vs avg | $28,719 | 90% | 73 | |
| $57,289 ▲ +14% vs avg | $15,435 | 68% | 70 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Master's Programs in North Carolina
This analysis ranks 50 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $50,382 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 54% and an average net price of $19,657.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Elizabeth City State University — Net Price: $6,364 | Graduation Rate: 46%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Duke University — 96% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Duke University — Median alumni earnings: $97,800
CollegeRanker Primary Research
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
North Carolina Opportunity Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about higher education and opportunity in North Carolina?
$47,365
Median earnings (10yr)
49%
Median graduation rate
$18,565
Median net price
1.4%
Avg. mobility rate
Higher education is intensely local: most students enroll close to home and stay to work nearby, so a state's colleges are also its talent pipeline. This ranking looks at the mix of public and private institutions across North Carolina, asking who keeps graduates in-state, who delivers earnings against the local cost of living, and who moves residents up the income ladder.
Across the 50 schools on this list, graduates earn a median of $47,365 ten years after they first enrolled. The median graduation rate is 49%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $18,565 a year, with about $25,000 in median federal debt at graduation. An average of 40% of students receive Pell grants, and the typical school moves low-income students into the top income quintile at a rate of 1.4%.
What we’re seeing: the schools that matter most for North Carolina pair affordability with outcomes that keep talent local. A median net price of $18,565 and median earnings of $47,365 show which institutions strengthen the regional economy rather than simply enrolling students.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Duke University lands at #1 with a 81/100 composite, led by academic quality (90/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (73/100). Graduates earn a median $97,800 a decade after enrolling, 94% above this list's average, and net price runs $29,612 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Chapel Hill, NC · 15% accepted · $11,655 net
Why it ranks #2
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill lands at #2 with a 80/100 composite, led by academic quality (85/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (77/100). Graduates earn a median $72,200 a decade after enrolling, 43% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,655 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Davidson College lands at #3 with a 78/100 composite, led by academic quality (91/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (72/100). Graduates earn a median $81,400 a decade after enrolling, 62% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,379 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Wake Forest University lands at #4 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (65/100). Graduates earn a median $78,158 a decade after enrolling, 55% above this list's average, and net price runs $28,719 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Charlotte, NC · 80% accepted · $15,435 net
Why it ranks #5
University of North Carolina at Charlotte lands at #5 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (64/100). Graduates earn a median $57,289 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,435 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Wilmington, NC · 64% accepted · $20,109 net
Why it ranks #6
University of North Carolina Wilmington lands at #6 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (63/100). Graduates earn a median $54,967 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,109 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Appalachian State University lands at #7 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (65/100). Graduates earn a median $51,836 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,836 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
East Carolina University lands at #8 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (64/100). Graduates earn a median $55,146 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,739 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Winston Salem, NC · 30% accepted · $14,906 net
Why it ranks #9
University of North Carolina School of the Arts lands at #9 with a 68/100 composite, led by academic quality (83/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (55/100). Graduates earn a median $38,357 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,906 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Asheville, NC · 92% accepted · $12,250 net
Why it ranks #10
University of North Carolina Asheville lands at #10 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (61/100). Graduates earn a median $44,030 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,250 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Western Carolina University lands at #11 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (63/100). Graduates earn a median $49,458 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,315 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Raleigh, NC · 42% accepted · $17,303 net
Why it ranks #12
North Carolina State University at Raleigh lands at #12 with a 66/100 composite, led by academic quality (86/100) and pulled down by social mobility (55/100). Graduates earn a median $68,758 a decade after enrolling, 36% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,303 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Elon University lands at #13 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $74,545 a decade after enrolling, 48% above this list's average, and net price runs $41,555 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Greensboro, NC · 89% accepted · $10,965 net
Why it ranks #14
University of North Carolina at Greensboro lands at #14 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (57/100). Graduates earn a median $48,160 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,965 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Elizabeth City State University lands at #15 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (56/100). Graduates earn a median $40,026 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,364 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Meredith College lands at #16 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $51,539 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,488 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Pembroke, NC · 93% accepted · $10,260 net
Why it ranks #17
University of North Carolina at Pembroke lands at #17 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (58/100). Graduates earn a median $43,407 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,260 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Fayetteville State University lands at #18 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (56/100). Graduates earn a median $40,144 a decade after enrolling, 20% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,892 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
University of Mount Olive lands at #19 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (93/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $47,139 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,853 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Catawba College lands at #20 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $48,793 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,879 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Campbell University lands at #21 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $54,886 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,516 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Greensboro, NC · 50% accepted · $10,846 net
Why it ranks #22
North Carolina A & T State University lands at #22 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $44,440 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,846 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
Wingate University lands at #23 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $52,649 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,748 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Salem College lands at #24 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $44,640 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,277 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
Winston-Salem State University lands at #25 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $45,344 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,479 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
High Point University lands at #26 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (32/100). Graduates earn a median $61,389 a decade after enrolling, 22% above this list's average, and net price runs $38,707 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
William Peace University lands at #27 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $46,643 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,649 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
Barton College lands at #28 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $47,913 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,626 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
Greensboro College lands at #29 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $46,566 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,882 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
Lenoir-Rhyne University lands at #30 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $45,543 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,689 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
Queens University of Charlotte lands at #31 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (37/100). Graduates earn a median $57,673 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $30,857 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
Guilford College lands at #32 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $47,590 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,270 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #33
Pfeiffer University lands at #33 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $51,562 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,076 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #34
Belmont Abbey College lands at #34 with a 60/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $47,937 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $24,639 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
North Carolina Central University lands at #35 with a 60/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $42,968 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,359 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #36
North Carolina Wesleyan University lands at #36 with a 60/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $45,873 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,432 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #37
Warren Wilson College lands at #37 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (51/100). Graduates earn a median $36,260 a decade after enrolling, 28% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,249 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #38
Brevard College lands at #38 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $43,545 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,509 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #39
Lees-McRae College lands at #39 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (43/100). Graduates earn a median $43,415 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $28,340 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #40
Methodist University lands at #40 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $48,050 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $24,704 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #41
Gardner-Webb University lands at #41 with a 58/100 composite, led by academic quality (71/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (56/100). Graduates earn a median $48,039 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,674 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #42
Mars Hill University lands at #42 with a 58/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $44,781 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,910 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #43
Chowan University lands at #43 with a 54/100 composite, led by academic quality (64/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (52/100). Graduates earn a median $38,412 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,086 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #44
Cabarrus College of Health Sciences lands at #44 with a 54/100 composite, led by academic quality (74/100) and pulled down by social mobility (27/100). Graduates earn a median $58,708 a decade after enrolling, 17% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,618 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #45
Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte lands at #45 with a 53/100 composite, led by academic quality (72/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (35/100). Graduates earn a median $43,418 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $27,426 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #46
Shaw University lands at #46 with a 52/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (43/100). Graduates earn a median $34,409 a decade after enrolling, 32% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,512 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #47
Montreat College lands at #47 with a 50/100 composite, led by social mobility (62/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (38/100). Graduates earn a median $45,151 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $27,061 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #48
Livingstone College lands at #48 with a 49/100 composite, led by social mobility (64/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (45/100). Graduates earn a median $32,600 a decade after enrolling, 35% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,479 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #49
Johnson C Smith University lands at #49 with a 49/100 composite, led by social mobility (65/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $42,680 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,894 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #50
Carolina University lands at #50 with a 47/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (54/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Graduates earn a median $32,864 a decade after enrolling, 35% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,828 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 50 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
When considering a master's program in North Carolina, prospective students have plenty of strong options to choose from. These schools not only excel in academics but also lead to impressive outcomes for graduates. For instance, the average earnings for graduates from these programs is $50,708, which speaks to the value of investing in further education.
What sets the top schools apart in this list are their graduate outcomes, including earnings, completion rates, and student debt levels. High earnings can indicate strong job placement, while graduation rates reflect program support and student success. As you explore the rankings below, keep in mind how each school's metrics align with your own goals and financial considerations.
Take, for example, Duke University and North Carolina State University. Duke graduates earn an average of $97,800, while NC State graduates earn $68,758. However, the trade-off is evident in their net prices: Duke's is $29,612 compared to NC State's $17,303. This contrast highlights the importance of balancing potential earnings against the financial burden of debt.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 41 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 1.4%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Elizabeth City State University leads the group at 3.9%, with Methodist University (3.2%) and Campbell University (3.1%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 9.2% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Elizabeth City State University enrolls the most, at 32.1%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 19.8% across the list, peaking at 50.4% at Duke University.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.39, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Elon University is highest at 1.82.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
Looking closely at the data, a notable pattern emerges between Davidson College and Wake Forest University. Davidson graduates average $81,400 in earnings, while Wake Forest graduates earn $78,158. However, the debt levels differ significantly, with Davidson's average debt at $18,688 compared to Wake Forest's $21,500. This suggests that while Davidson may provide slightly better earnings, it also maintains a more manageable debt load.
As you sift through the 50 schools in this list, think about what matters most to you. Consider factors like location, specific program strengths, campus culture, and your financial situation. A school that excels in one area might not align with your personal priorities, so weigh your options carefully.
This data illustrates the critical decision families face when choosing a master's program. A solid education can pave the way to a stable career, impacting not just the individual but their family as well. With thoughtful consideration, this investment can lead to lasting benefits in job placement and financial security.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Master's Programs in North Carolina: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Master's Programs in North Carolina ranking? +
Duke University in Durham, NC ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Master's Programs in North Carolina ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $97,800 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 96% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Duke University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $97,800 ten years after enrollment, well above the $50,382 average across the 50 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Elizabeth City State University leads: graduates earn a median $40,026 against net price of about $6,364 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Duke University has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 96%, compared with a 54% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $19,657 a year across the 50 ranked schools with cost data. Elizabeth City State University is among the most affordable at roughly $6,364. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Master's Programs in North Carolina ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 50 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
Related Rankings
