Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte

Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte's liberal arts program operates in a crowded North Carolina market where it lands squarely in the middle—ranking in the 60th percentile statewide with first-year earnings of $37,266. That's about $3,400 above the state median, though the small graduating class (under 30 students) means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. With a debt load of $28,090, graduates face manageable but not trivial repayment obligations, needing about nine months of gross income to cover their loans.

The real question is value relative to alternatives. At less selective NC State, liberal arts graduates earn $4,400 more their first year out, while nearby public options like East Carolina deliver similar outcomes with typically lower in-state tuition. Johnson & Wales serves a predominantly working-class student body (52% on Pell grants) and accepts three-quarters of applicants, suggesting it fills an access role in the state's higher education landscape.

For families paying out-of-state rates at a private institution, this represents a substantial investment for middle-of-the-pack outcomes. In-state North Carolina families should compare total costs carefully against public alternatives that deliver comparable or better earnings. The program isn't underwater financially, but the value equation depends heavily on what you're paying versus state schools.