Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in Rocky Mount, NC (2026)
Rocky Mount, North Carolina has a population of about 54,175. The city’s median household income is $52,927 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 21.5% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Rocky Mount, with tuition ranging from $2,540 to $15,189 per year. In the Rocky Mount, NC metro area, the top-earning liberal arts-related role is Management Analyst at a median $93,440 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Liberal Arts Schools to Rocky Mount
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer liberal arts programs. Distances are calculated from Rocky Mount city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilson Community College | Wilson, NC | 17.1 mi | $2,572 - $13,807 | – |
| East Carolina University | Greenville, NC | 34.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Johnston Community College | Smithfield, NC | 43.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| North Carolina State University at Raleigh | Raleigh, NC | 49.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Beaufort County Community College | Washington, NC | 55.8 mi | $2,540 - $15,189 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all North Carolina schools on the North Carolina liberal arts page.
Liberal Arts Wages Near Rocky Mount
Rocky Mount is part of the Rocky Mount, NC metro area (BLS area code 40580). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to North Carolina statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $58,820 | Rocky Mount, NC | $66,841 |
| Management Analyst | $93,440 | Rocky Mount, NC | $106,182 |
| Technical Writer | $87,330 | NC statewide | $99,239 |
| News Analyst, Reporter, or Journalist | $52,430 | NC statewide | $59,580 |
| Editor | $64,340 | NC statewide | $73,114 |
| Training and Development Specialist | $57,610 | Rocky Mount, NC | $65,466 |
| Human Resources Specialist | $61,580 | Rocky Mount, NC | $69,977 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Rocky Mount at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 54,175 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $52,927 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 21.5% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 88.0 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
Other Rocky Mount-Area Cities With Liberal Arts Programs
- Wilson, NC – 17.7 mi away (49,644 pop)
- Roanoke Rapids, NC – 34.1 mi away (23,546 pop)
- Greenville, NC – 35.2 mi away (127,464 pop)
- Wake Forest, NC – 39.7 mi away (40,112 pop)
- Goldsboro, NC – 41.8 mi away (59,969 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited liberal arts programs are near Rocky Mount, NC?
Our directory lists 5 liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Rocky Mount. The closest is Wilson Community College in Wilson, NC (17.1 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Beaufort County Community College (55.8 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying liberal arts roles near Rocky Mount?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying liberal arts-related roles near Rocky Mount are: Management Analyst ($93,440), Technical Writer ($87,330), Editor ($64,340). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with North Carolina statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Wilson instead of Rocky Mount?
Wilson, NC is 17.7 miles from Rocky Mount and has its own set of local liberal arts programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Rocky Mount an affordable place to study liberal arts?
Rocky Mount’s median household income of $52,927 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Rocky Mount while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and North Carolina public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.
Related Resources
- Online Liberal Arts Programs in North Carolina
- Main Liberal Arts Degree Guide
- Liberal Arts Programs by State
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