Students at Livingstone College benefit from earnings that exceed expectations given their backgrounds, demonstrating the institution's ability to add value despite resource constraints.
The college provides meaningful access to private higher education for predominantly low-income and first-generation students at affordable net prices.
Livingstone College is a small private nonprofit institution in Salisbury, North Carolina, that serves a predominantly low-income student population with strong financial aid support. Nearly 84% of students receive Pell Grants, and about 39% are first-generation college students, reflecting the college's mission to provide access to higher education for underserved communities. The institution offers net prices that are relatively affordable for a private college, with low-income students paying around $16,621 annually and middle-income families seeing similar costs at $16,327.
While Livingstone College provides meaningful access to higher education, students and families should understand that graduation rates and long-term earnings outcomes present challenges. The six-year graduation rate stands at about 27%, and median earnings ten years after enrollment are $32,600, which places the institution in the "Under-Resourced Institutions" category for economic mobility. However, graduates do see some earnings beyond expectations, with the college showing a positive value-added earnings figure that suggests students perform better financially than might be predicted based on their backgrounds.
For students who complete their degrees, the college offers programs in corrections administration, business administration, and general studies that lead to stable career paths. The small size creates opportunities for close faculty mentorship and individualized attention that can be particularly valuable for first-generation students navigating college and career planning.
Livingstone College's program portfolio reflects practical, career-focused education designed to prepare students for stable employment in accessible fields. Corrections administration stands out as both the highest-earning program and the one with the strongest aggregate return, graduating 26 students annually with median earnings of $32,711. This program likely benefits from steady demand in criminal justice and public safety sectors, providing graduates with clear career pathways.
Business administration and management represents the college's largest program, enrolling 29 graduates with median earnings of $25,194. While earnings are modest, this program serves students seeking foundational business skills that can apply across industries. General studies, with 23 graduates earning $24,035, provides flexibility for students who need a broad-based degree or are exploring different career directions.
These programs reflect the college's mission to serve students seeking practical education that leads directly to employment. While earnings levels are below national averages, they represent meaningful economic progress for many students who might not otherwise have access to higher education. The focus on accessible fields like corrections, business operations, and general professional skills aligns with the needs of the college's predominantly first-generation and low-income student population.
Graduates of Livingstone College earn a median of $32,600 ten years after enrollment, which reflects the economic realities facing many small private colleges serving predominantly low-income student populations. However, the institution does demonstrate positive earnings beyond expectations, with graduates earning about $10,064 more than similar students at comparable institutions nationwide. This suggests that despite modest absolute earnings levels, the college provides meaningful value for students who complete their programs.
The strongest financial outcomes come from the corrections administration program, which graduates about 26 students annually with median earnings of $32,711 ten years out. Business administration and management, the largest program with 29 graduates, shows median earnings of $25,194, while general studies graduates earn around $24,035. These programs reflect practical, career-focused education that prepares students for stable employment in fields like criminal justice, business operations, and public service.
While earnings levels are modest compared to larger research universities, they represent meaningful economic progress for many students who might not otherwise have access to higher education. The college's ability to generate earnings beyond expectations indicates that graduates benefit from the education and support they receive, even if absolute dollar amounts remain below national averages for college graduates.
Affordability represents one of Livingstone College's strongest advantages, particularly for low-income families. Low-income students pay a net price of about $16,621 annually, while middle-income families see similar costs at $16,327, making this private college accessible to families across income levels. Even high-income families pay $20,006, which remains reasonable for private higher education. These net prices reflect substantial financial aid that helps offset the sticker price.
The college's commitment to affordability is evident in its student population, with 84% of students receiving Pell Grants, indicating that most families qualify for federal need-based aid. This high Pell share demonstrates that Livingstone College successfully serves students from low-income backgrounds who might struggle to afford other private institutions. The relatively consistent net prices across income bands suggest that the college uses its aid strategically to maintain access for families at different economic levels while keeping education within reach for those who need it most.
Livingstone College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
