Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in North Carolina (2026)

Updated May 3, 2026 Table of Contents

North Carolina Liberal Arts At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Liberal Arts Salary$70,896
National ComparisonNorth Carolina salaries are approximately 3.4% higher than the national average for liberal arts
Primary Licensing BodyNorth Carolina Professional Licensing Board
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online liberal arts degree in North Carolina offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. North Carolina salaries are approximately 3.4% higher than the national average for liberal arts roles. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, North Carolina students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.

Top Online Liberal Arts Schools in North Carolina

The following schools offer accredited online liberal arts programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in North Carolina.

How we rank schools: Rankings are based on available IPEDS and College Scorecard data including graduation rate, admission rate, program availability, completions, and published tuition. Data is informational only -- always confirm details directly with each school.

#1

Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester, NY In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 71%
Graduation rate 72%
Tuition
In‑state$57,016
Out‑of‑state$57,016
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 45

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Pennsylvania College of Technology

Williamsport, PA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 50%
Tuition
In‑state$17,940
Out‑of‑state$25,680
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 79

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

University of California-Irvine

Irvine, CA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 26%
Graduation rate 86%
Tuition
In‑state$14,237
Out‑of‑state$45,014
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 9

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Iowa State University

Ames, IA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 89%
Graduation rate 75%
Tuition
In‑state$10,497
Out‑of‑state$27,683
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 26

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Arkansas Tech University

Russellville, AR In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 96%
Graduation rate 49%
Tuition
In‑state$8,508
Out‑of‑state$14,502
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 61

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Seminole State College of Florida

Sanford, FL In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 43%
Tuition
In‑state$3,227
Out‑of‑state$11,447
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 72

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#7

Palm Beach State College

Lake Worth, FL In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 41%
Tuition
In‑state$3,050
Out‑of‑state$10,910
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 98

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#8

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 83%
Graduation rate 76%
Tuition
In‑state$22,082
Out‑of‑state$37,462
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 42

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

Career Outlook and Salaries in North Carolina

Liberal Arts professionals in North Carolina experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for North Carolina.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (North Carolina)
Public Relations Specialist$63,280
Management Analyst$98,700
Technical Writer$87,330
News Analyst, Reporter, or Journalist$52,430
Editor$64,340
Training and Development Specialist$60,790
Human Resources Specialist$69,400

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Why Pursue an Online Liberal Arts Degree in North Carolina?

Choosing a program in North Carolina can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in North Carolina offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Regional Relevance: Curriculum often incorporates data and case studies relevant to the North Carolina economy and job market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online liberal arts programs in North Carolina accredited?

Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For North Carolina, this includes accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring your degree meets high academic standards.

How does Liberal Arts pay in North Carolina compare to other states?

North Carolina salaries are approximately 3.4% higher than the national average for liberal arts roles. This makes North Carolina a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for liberal arts in North Carolina?

The North Carolina Professional Licensing Board oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in North Carolina. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.

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