Best Economics Schools in North Carolina

North Carolina has 10 colleges offering Economics programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 810 recent graduates. Graduates earn $46,058 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $48,383.

School choice matters significantly: Duke University graduates earn $90,856 while Guilford College graduates earn $28,212 — a $62,644 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in NC

$46,058

NC Avg. Earnings

$48,383

National Avg.

449

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Economics in North Carolina

Public Schools (6)

$40,272

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (4)

$54,738

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $14,466 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Economics Schools in North Carolina, Ranked by Earnings

Duke University

Durham, NC · Private

$90,856

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $94,699

Graduates: 130

Acceptance: 6.8%

Elon University

Elon, NC · Private

$44,189

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 67.3%

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC · Public

$51,794

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $57,311

Graduates: 393

Acceptance: 18.7%

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC · Private

$55,693

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $57,100

Graduates: 72

Acceptance: 21.6%

North Carolina A & T State University

Greensboro, NC · Public

$37,208

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $35,545

Graduates: 27

Acceptance: 46.2%

Appalachian State University

Boone, NC · Public

$39,369

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $40,724

Graduates: 42

Acceptance: 88.6%

University of North Carolina Asheville

Asheville, NC · Public

$42,682

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $31,951

Graduates: 26

Acceptance: 93.9%

East Carolina University

Greenville, NC · Public

$35,518

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $39,460

Graduates: 88

Acceptance: 90.1%

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Greensboro, NC · Public

$35,060

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $33,326

Graduates: 32

Acceptance: 89.8%

#10

Guilford College

Greensboro, NC · Private

$28,212

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 83.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Economics in North Carolina?

Duke University ranks #1 for Economics in North Carolina with median graduate earnings of $90,856 within two years of graduation. There are 10 schools offering Economics programs in the state.

How much do Economics graduates earn in North Carolina?

Economics graduates in North Carolina earn an average of $46,058 within two years of graduation. This is 5% below the national average of $48,383 for this major.

What is the hardest Economics school to get into in North Carolina?

Duke University is the most selective Economics program in North Carolina with an acceptance rate of 6.8%. The average acceptance rate across Economics programs in the state is 60.7%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Economics in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, private Economics programs produce average earnings of $54,738 vs $40,272 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 6 public and 4 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in North Carolina

Computer Engineering $79,319 Biomedical/Medical Engineering $65,539 Chemical Engineering $65,411 Computer Science $60,095 Construction Engineering Technologies $58,582 Civil Engineering $56,103 Computer Programming $55,943 Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other $50,726

All colleges in North Carolina →

Economics in Other States

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Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release.