Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at North Carolina Central University vary significantly by field of study, with health professions leading in earnings while liberal arts programs focus on service-oriented careers. The data below evaluates programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than reputation or prestige.
Analyzing 22 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase programs that demonstrate strong performance across earnings, national rankings, and practical career preparation.
#159 nationally
$37K median earnings
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing leads earnings at $73,033, followed by Accounting Technology at $56,242 and Exercise Science at $42,587. Health professions generally produce the highest earnings, while liberal arts and social science programs focus on service-oriented career paths. The earnings tables below provide detailed outcome data for informed program selection.
Several NCCU programs achieve notable national rankings, with Research Methodology ranking #21 nationally and Family and Consumer Sciences ranking #12 nationally. These rankings reflect strong career outcomes relative to similar programs nationwide. The detailed tables below show national and state rankings alongside earnings and value metrics for comprehensive program comparison.
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, national rank, cohort size, and value scores.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at North Carolina Central University.
Artificial Intelligence. leads engineering & technology with 75K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence.Small sample | #159 | $74,597 | — | 15 |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation labor market outcomes rather than institutional prestige or academic reputation. Earnings data comes from federal College Scorecard records tracking graduates 10 years after enrollment, with rankings based on median earnings within each field nationally. Value scores incorporate both earnings and debt levels to assess return on investment. Different programs produce varying outcomes due to labor market demands, required credentials, and career trajectory differences. Cohort sizes indicate program scale and data reliability, with larger cohorts providing greater confidence in reported outcomes. Students should consider personal interests, career goals, and financial priorities when evaluating these outcome-based program comparisons alongside other factors like curriculum fit and faculty expertise.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
Value scores combine earnings and debt to assess return on investment, with Forensic Social Work leading at 56.5, followed by Family and Consumer Sciences at 45.0. These programs balance solid earnings with manageable debt levels. The value analysis helps students identify programs offering optimal financial outcomes relative to educational investment costs.
Health professions show excellent loan affordability with nursing graduates earning sufficient income for standard debt repayment. Business programs generally fall into challenging affordability categories, while several liberal arts programs show concerning repayment patterns. Specific affordability analysis by program category appears in the detailed loan trajectory data.
Business programs show varied outcomes, with Accounting Technology leading at $56,242 earnings and ranking #158 nationally, while Business Administration produces the largest cohort of 127 graduates earning $42,441. Programs demonstrate solid value scores, particularly Accounting Technology with 42.9.
This group serves students seeking practical business skills with manageable career entry requirements.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #149 | $56,242★ | — | 22 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #303 | $42,441 | $18,061 | 127 |
| Brewery/Brewpub Operations/Management.Small sample | #88 | $34,307 | — | 14 |
Health programs at NCCU deliver the strongest earnings outcomes, with Adult Health Nurse/Nursing producing $73,033 median earnings and ranking #191 nationally. Behavioral Aspects of Health ranks #81 nationally with $38,198 earnings and strong value scores.
These programs combine clinical preparation with solid career prospects, making them ideal for students prioritizing both service and financial stability in healthcare careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #196 | $73,033★ | $25,575 | 73 |
| Behavioral Aspects of Health. | #84 | $38,198 | — | 37 |
Biology represents NCCU's science offerings with $41,733 median earnings and ranks #278 nationally. With 75 graduates, the program provides solid preparation for healthcare professions or graduate study.
The program serves students seeking scientific preparation with moderate debt levels, particularly those planning advanced study in health-related fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General. | #280 | $41,733 | $14,175 | 75 |
Social science programs emphasize public service pathways, with Research Methodology ranking #21 nationally and #1 in North Carolina, demonstrating exceptional value at 42.9. American Government and Politics ranks #242 nationally with $41,941 earnings.
These programs are well-suited for students prioritizing research skills and public sector careers over maximum earnings potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #247 | $41,941★ | $18,625 | 38 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #83 | $39,365 | $16,582 | 70 |
| Research Methodology and Quantitative Methods. | #22 | $35,978 | $10,624 | 92 |
| Psychology, General. | #319 | $35,634 | $17,004 | 87 |
Communication and Media Studies produces $34,038 median earnings with 56 graduates annually, ranking #212 nationally. The program shows moderate value scores and serves students interested in media, public relations, and communication careers.
Best suited for students who prioritize creative expression and communication skills over maximum earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #220 | $34,038 | $21,603 | 56 |
Family and Consumer Sciences ranks #12 nationally and #1 in North Carolina with exceptional value scores of 45.0, producing $37,040 earnings among 77 graduates. Psychology ranks lower nationally but serves 87 students annually.
These programs suit students interested in human services, education, and community-focused careers with moderate earnings expectations.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General.Small sample | #224 | $40,351★ | — | 12 |
| American History (United States).Small sample | #297 | $34,702 | — | 16 |
| General Studies.Small sample | #197 | $28,522 | — | 17 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation.Small sample | #246 | $28,300 | — | 12 |
| Brass Instruments.Small sample | — | $25,774 | — | 8 |
Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. leads education with 44K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching.Small sample | #175 | $43,985 | — | 12 |
Corrections Administration ranks #162 nationally with $38,487 median earnings and strong enrollment of 117 students. The program demonstrates solid value at 15.7 and ranks #7 in North Carolina.
This field serves students seeking public safety careers with stable employment prospects and meaningful community service opportunities.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #167 | $38,487 | $18,608 | 117 |
Exercise Science and Kinesiology. leads other & interdisciplinary with 43K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #146 | $42,587★ | $26,008 | 64 |
| Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General. | #14 | $37,040 | $17,973 | 77 |
| Golf Course Operation and Grounds Management. | #33 | $30,471 | $20,410 | 32 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
