Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Livingstone College
Bachelor's Degree
livingstone.eduAnalysis
The numbers here are worrying: graduates from Livingstone's Liberal Arts program earn barely $21,640 in their first year—less than many entry-level retail positions. That's not only 40% below North Carolina's median for similar programs ($33,847), but ranks in the bottom 10% statewide. Meanwhile, debt of $35,225 creates an immediate financial burden that's 1.63 times that first-year salary.
There is a silver lining in the 47% earnings jump to $31,814 by year four, suggesting graduates eventually find better footing in the job market. However, even with this growth, earnings remain well below what graduates from UNC Chapel Hill or NC State achieve right out of the gate. The debt load—25% higher than North Carolina's typical liberal arts graduate carries—compounds the challenge. With 84% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are already financially stretched.
The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift with more data, but the pattern is consistent enough to warrant serious concern. If your child is set on Livingstone for community or personal reasons, this program requires a clear plan for managing that debt burden while building toward better-paying opportunities after graduation.
Where Livingstone College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Livingstone College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Livingstone College | $21,640 | $31,814 | +47% |
| Belmont Abbey College | $46,654 | $41,133 | -12% |
| East Carolina University | $36,809 | $40,587 | +10% |
| North Carolina A & T State University | $30,397 | $37,786 | +24% |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro | $31,245 | $37,419 | +20% |
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (36 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Livingstone CollegeSalisbury | $18,296 | $21,640 | $31,814 | $35,225 | 1.63 |
 Belmont Abbey CollegeBelmont | $19,500 | $46,654 | $41,133 | $33,291 | 0.71 |
 North Carolina State University at RaleighRaleigh | $8,895 | $41,661 | — | $25,993 | 0.62 |
 University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill | $8,989 | $37,709 | — | $13,000 | 0.34 |
 Johnson & Wales University-CharlotteCharlotte | $40,408 | $37,266 | — | $28,090 | 0.75 |
 East Carolina UniversityGreenville | $7,361 | $36,809 | $40,587 | $27,000 | 0.73 |
| National Median | — | $36,340 | — | $27,000 | 0.74 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Livingstone College, approximately 84% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.