Compare 23 Social Work. programs in North Carolina. Average earnings: $39,124.
The highest-earning Social Work program isn't at the most prestigious school. With an $11K earnings gap across 23 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand. North Carolina's Social Work programs range from $34,155 to $45,182 in graduate earnings.
At the top, University of North Carolina at Charlotte produces Social Work graduates earning $45,182—tied with Winston-Salem State University at the same earnings level. The statewide average sits at $39,124, demonstrating how UNC system schools dominate this field regardless of their overall institutional rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University of North Carolina at Charlotte graduates borrow $21,500 and face a 13% payment burden, landing in the 'Manageable' category. For families considering parent loans, Fayetteville State University leads with a 22.2% family burden—still challenging but the most affordable option when total family debt is considered.
Highest program earnings: $45,182
Strong outcomes with 80% acceptance
13.0% payment burden | Manageable
22.2% family burden | Challenging
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $45,182 | 57 | $21,500 | Manageable | $19,809 | High | |
| #2 | $45,182 | 30 | $25,000 | Manageable | $12,030 | Challenging | |
| #3 | $44,724 | 94 | $22,858 | Manageable | $14,638 | Challenging | |
| #4 | East Carolina UniversityPublic | $44,272 | 71 | $22,750 | Manageable | $19,710 | High |
| #5 | Meredith CollegePrivate | $43,676 | 18 | $25,000 | Manageable | $44,613 | High |
| #6 | $43,024 | 54 | $22,987 | Manageable | $8,791 | Challenging | |
| #7 | $42,727 | 65 | $25,000 | Manageable | $10,984 | High | |
| #8 | $42,444 | 76 | $19,500 | Manageable | $22,737 | High | |
| #9 | $42,436 | 66 | $20,121 | Manageable | $23,000 | High | |
| #10 | $41,990 | 89 | $20,231 | Manageable | $21,919 | High | |
| #11 | Methodist UniversityPrivate | $41,366 | 17 | $27,000 | Challenging | $36,335 | High |
| #12 | Johnson C Smith UniversityPrivate | $41,048 | 24 | $30,000 | Challenging | $26,635 | High |
| #13 | $39,978 | 55 | $21,868 | Manageable | $18,241 | High | |
| #14 | $39,365 | 70 | $28,250 | Challenging | $19,245 | High | |
| #15 | Mars Hill UniversityPrivate | $39,344 | 22 | $26,000 | Challenging | $15,115 | High |
| #16 | Bennett CollegePrivate | $39,091 | 5 | $28,130 | Challenging | $30,516 | High |
| #17 | Barton CollegePrivate | $38,430 | 25 | $25,877 | Challenging | $26,818 | High |
| #18 | $38,014 | 56 | $27,000 | Challenging | $20,004 | High | |
| #19 | Shaw UniversityPrivate | $37,637 | 20 | $32,500 | High | $17,479 | High |
| #20 | $34,155 | 12 | $21,463 | High | $10,645 | High | |
| #21 | Campbell UniversityPrivate | $30,771 | 12 | $22,500 | High | $40,055 | High |
| #22 | Livingstone CollegePrivate | $26,597 | 10 | $31,125 | High | $25,088 | High |
| #23 | Warren Wilson CollegePrivate | $18,401 | 9 | $25,000 | High | $21,294 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
