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2023 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in North Carolina

57 Ranked Colleges
18,469 Degrees Awarded
$7,300 Avg Net Price*
Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in North Carolina

Students have lots of options to chooose from today when trying to decide which college to attend. College Factual has developed its “Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in North Carolina” ranking as one item you can use to help make this decision.

With 556,813 degrees handed out in 2020-2021, liberal arts general studies is the 1st most popular major in the United States. In 2019-2020, liberal arts general studies graduates who were awarded their degree in 2017-2019, earned an average of $28,337 and had an average of $17,430 in loans still to pay off.

Across North Carolina, there were 18,469 liberal arts general studies graduates with average earnings and debt of $25,649 and $14,171 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in North Carolina” ranking looked at 57 colleges that offer degrees in a bachelor’s in liberal arts general studies. This ranking identifies schools with high-quality liberal arts general studies programs that also have a lower cost than schools of similar quality.

To come up with these rankings, we looked at factors such as the cost to attend the school after aid is awarded and overall quality of the liberal arts general studies program at the school. For more information, check out our ranking methodology.

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Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we’ve developed the “Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in North Carolina” ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision.

You can create your own custom comparison that focuses on the factors most important to you using our tool, College Combat. Test it out when you get a chance! You may also want to bookmark the link and share it with others who are trying to make the college decision.

Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in North Carolina

The colleges and universities below are the best for north carolina liberal arts students.

Top 25 Best Value Colleges for Liberal Arts General Studies in North Carolina

1
NC State crest
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, North Carolina

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend North Carolina State University. The school came in at #1 for the Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in North Carolina. North Carolina State University is a large public school situated in Raleigh, North Carolina. It awarded 51 ’s liberal arts degrees in 2020-2021.

NC State also made our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in North Carolina” list, coming in at #2. The estimated yearly cost for NC State is $16,411 for north carolina liberal arts students.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.0%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 94%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read more about Liberal Arts General Studies at North Carolina State University

2
Cleveland Community College crest
Cleveland Community College
Shelby, North Carolina

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Cleveland Community College. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in North Carolina list. Cleveland Community College is a small public school situated in Shelby, North Carolina. It awarded 260 ’s liberal arts degrees in 2020-2021.

Cleveland Community College not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #8 on our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in North Carolina” list. The yearly cost to attend Cleveland Community College is $-141 for North Carolina Liberal Arts students. A negative average net price may seem strange, but it generally means that financial aid will more than cover the cost to attend the school.

Read more about Liberal Arts General Studies at Cleveland Community College

3

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The school came in at #3 for the Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in North Carolina. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public institution located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The school has a large population, and it awarded 46 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

UNC Chapel Hill also made our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in North Carolina” list, coming in at #3. It costs about $12,469 for north carolina liberal arts students per year to attend UNC Chapel Hill.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.4% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 95%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Full UNC Chapel Hill Liberal Arts General Studies Report

4
Guilford Technical Community College crest
Guilford Technical Community College
Jamestown, North Carolina

Out of the 57 schools in the Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in North Carolina that were part of this year’s ranking, Guilford Technical Community College landed the #4 spot on the list. Guilford Technical Community College is a medium-sized public school situated in Jamestown, North Carolina. It awarded 706 ’s liberal arts degrees in 2020-2021.

Guilford Technical Community College also made our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in North Carolina” list, coming in at #5. The yearly cost to attend Guilford Technical Community College is $10,898 for north carolina liberal arts students.

Full Guilford Technical Community College Liberal Arts General Studies Report

5
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Forsyth Technical Community College
Winston-Salem, North Carolina

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Forsyth Technical Community College. The school came in at #5 for the Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in North Carolina. Forsyth Tech is a public institution located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 529 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Forsyth Tech did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #10 on our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in North Carolina” list. It costs about $5,388 for north carolina liberal arts students per year to attend Forsyth Technical Community College.

Read more about Liberal Arts General Studies at Forsyth Tech

6
FTCC crest
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Fayetteville Technical Community College did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in North Carolina ranking, coming in at #6. FTCC is a medium-sized public school situated in Fayetteville, North Carolina. It awarded 844 ’s liberal arts degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our north carolina liberal arts students list, FTCC has also earned the #9 rank in our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in North Carolina” ranking. It costs about $4,337 for north carolina liberal arts students per year to attend FTCC.

Full FTCC Liberal Arts General Studies Report

7
Beaufort County Community College crest
Beaufort County Community College
Washington, North Carolina

Beaufort County Community College came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in North Carolina ranking. Washington, North Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s liberal arts degrees to 213 students in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Beaufort County Community College, the school also landed the #7 spot in our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in North Carolina” ranking. It costs about $4,810 for North Carolina Liberal Arts students per year to attend Beaufort County Community College.

Since the school has a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1, those pursuing a degree will have more opportunities to interact with their professors.

Read more about Liberal Arts General Studies at Beaufort County Community College

8
Wake Technical Community College crest
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, North Carolina

Wake Technical Community College ranked #8 on this year’s Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in North Carolina list. Wake Technical Community College is a public institution located in Raleigh, North Carolina. The school has a large population, and it awarded 1,679 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our north carolina liberal arts students list, Wake Technical Community College has also earned the #6 rank in our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in North Carolina” ranking. It costs about $6,767 for north carolina liberal arts students per year to attend Wake Technical Community College.

Read more about Liberal Arts General Studies at Wake Technical Community College

9
Lenoir Community College crest
Lenoir Community College
Kinston, North Carolina

Lenoir Community College landed the #9 spot on the 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in North Carolina ranking. Lenoir Community College is a public institution located in Kinston, North Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 202 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Lenoir Community College, the school also landed the #15 spot in our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in North Carolina” ranking. It costs about $4,005 for North Carolina Liberal Arts students per year to attend Lenoir Community College.

Read full report on Liberal Arts General Studies at Lenoir Community College

10
Johnston Community College crest
Johnston Community College
Smithfield, North Carolina

Johnston Community College came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in North Carolina ranking. Johnston Community College is a public institution located in Smithfield, North Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 357 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our north carolina liberal arts students list, Johnston Community College has also earned the #25 rank in our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in North Carolina” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Johnston Community College is $5,241 for north carolina liberal arts students.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.7%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. With a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1, it’s easy to see that the school is committed to helping their undergraduates succeed.

Read more about Liberal Arts General Studies at Johnston Community College

11

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in North Carolina ranking, coming in at #11. Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College is a public institution located in Asheville, North Carolina. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 335 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

A-B Tech not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #17 on our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in North Carolina” list. It costs about $5,600 for north carolina liberal arts students per year to attend Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College.

Full A-B Tech Liberal Arts General Studies Report

12

University of North Carolina at Greensboro came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in North Carolina ranking. Greensboro, North Carolina is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s liberal arts degrees to 172 students in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UNC Greensboro, the school also landed the #4 spot in our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in North Carolina” ranking. It costs about $11,629 for North Carolina Liberal Arts students per year to attend UNC Greensboro.

Read more about Liberal Arts General Studies at UNC Greensboro

13
Central Piedmont Community College crest
Central Piedmont Community College
Charlotte, North Carolina

With a ranking of #13, Central Piedmont Community College did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in North Carolina list. Charlotte, North Carolina is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s liberal arts degrees to 1,486 students in 2020-2021.

Central Piedmont Community College also made our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in North Carolina” list, coming in at #14. The estimated yearly cost for Central Piedmont Community College is $5,710 for North Carolina Liberal Arts students.

Full Central Piedmont Community College Liberal Arts General Studies Report

14
ACC crest
Alamance Community College
Graham, North Carolina

With a ranking of #14, Alamance Community College did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in North Carolina list. This small school is located in Graham, North Carolina, and it awarded 317 ’s liberal arts degrees in 2020-2021.

ACC not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #11 on our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in North Carolina” list. It costs about $14,724 for North Carolina Liberal Arts students per year to attend Alamance Community College.

Read more about Liberal Arts General Studies at ACC

15
Surry Community College crest
Surry Community College
Dobson, North Carolina

Surry Community College did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in North Carolina ranking, coming in at #15. Located in Dobson, North Carolina, this small public school awarded 185 diplomas to qualified ’s liberal arts students in 2020-2021.

Surry Community College did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #13 on our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in North Carolina” list. The estimated yearly cost for Surry Community College is $5,510 for North Carolina Liberal Arts students.

Read full report on Liberal Arts General Studies at Surry Community College

16
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College crest
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
Salisbury, North Carolina

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in North Carolina ranking. Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is located in Salisbury, North Carolina and, has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 490 ’s liberal arts degrees to qualified students.

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #20 on our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in North Carolina” list. It costs about $2,602 for North Carolina Liberal Arts students per year to attend Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.

Full Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Liberal Arts General Studies Report

17
Gaston College crest
Gaston College
Dallas, North Carolina

Gaston College landed the #17 spot on the 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in North Carolina ranking. Gaston College is a small public school situated in Dallas, North Carolina. It awarded 380 ’s liberal arts degrees in 2020-2021.

Gaston College not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #23 on our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in North Carolina” list. It costs about $12,994 for North Carolina Liberal Arts students per year to attend Gaston College.

Read more about Liberal Arts General Studies at Gaston College

18
South Piedmont Community College crest
South Piedmont Community College
Polkton, North Carolina

With a ranking of #18, South Piedmont Community College did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in North Carolina list. Polkton, North Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s liberal arts degrees to 159 students in 2020-2021.

South Piedmont Community College also took the #22 spot in our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in North Carolina” ranking. The yearly cost to attend South Piedmont Community College is $5,727 for north carolina liberal arts students.

Full South Piedmont Community College Liberal Arts General Studies Report

19
CFCC crest
Cape Fear Community College
Wilmington, North Carolina

Cape Fear Community College did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in North Carolina ranking, coming in at #19. Cape Fear Community College is a fairly large public school situated in Wilmington, North Carolina. It awarded 933 ’s liberal arts degrees in 2020-2021.

CFCC also made our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in North Carolina” list, coming in at #24. The estimated yearly cost for Cape Fear Community College is $9,574 for north carolina liberal arts students.

Read full report on Liberal Arts General Studies at CFCC

20
NC A&T crest
North Carolina A & T State University
Greensboro, North Carolina

With a ranking of #20, North Carolina A & T State University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in North Carolina list. This fairly large school is located in Greensboro, North Carolina, and it awarded 192 ’s liberal arts degrees in 2020-2021.

NC A&T not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #12 on our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in North Carolina” list. The estimated yearly cost for North Carolina A & T State University is $10,563 for north carolina liberal arts students.

Read more about Liberal Arts General Studies at NC A&T

21
Piedmont Community College crest
Piedmont Community College
Roxboro, North Carolina

Piedmont Community College came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in North Carolina ranking. This small school is located in Roxboro, North Carolina, and it awarded 46 ’s liberal arts degrees in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for Piedmont Community College is $1,884 for north carolina liberal arts students.

Read more about Liberal Arts General Studies at Piedmont Community College

22
Pitt Community College crest
Pitt Community College
Winterville, North Carolina

Pitt Community College landed the #22 spot on the 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in North Carolina ranking. Pitt Community College is located in Winterville, North Carolina and, has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 507 ’s liberal arts degrees to qualified students.

The estimated yearly cost for Pitt Community College is $4,192 for north carolina liberal arts students.

Full Pitt Community College Liberal Arts General Studies Report

23
Mitchell Community College crest
Mitchell Community College
Statesville, North Carolina

Mitchell Community College did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in North Carolina ranking, coming in at #23. Mitchell Community College is a public institution located in Statesville, North Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 275 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Mitchell Community College also took the #18 spot in our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in North Carolina” ranking. It costs about $9,162 for North Carolina Liberal Arts students per year to attend Mitchell Community College.

Full Mitchell Community College Liberal Arts General Studies Report

24
CVCC crest
Catawba Valley Community College
Hickory, North Carolina

With a ranking of #24, Catawba Valley Community College did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in North Carolina list. This small school is located in Hickory, North Carolina, and it awarded 443 ’s liberal arts degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our north carolina liberal arts students list, CVCC has also earned the #19 rank in our “Best Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in North Carolina” ranking. It costs about $6,044 for north carolina liberal arts students per year to attend Catawba Valley Community College.

Read more about Liberal Arts General Studies at CVCC

25
Central Carolina Community College crest
Central Carolina Community College
Sanford, North Carolina

With a ranking of #25, Central Carolina Community College did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Liberal Arts Schools in North Carolina list. Central Carolina Community College is a public institution located in Sanford, North Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 239 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend Central Carolina Community College is $5,398 for north carolina liberal arts students.

Full Central Carolina Community College Liberal Arts General Studies Report

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