Best Fine and Studio Arts Schools in North Carolina

North Carolina has 14 colleges offering Fine and Studio Arts programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 568 recent graduates. Graduates in North Carolina earn $22,523 on average within two years — 12% below the national average of $25,619. Lower cost of living or industry mix may explain the gap.

School choice matters significantly: Wake Forest University graduates earn $44,170 while Warren Wilson College graduates earn $12,356 — a $31,814 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

14
Schools in NC
$22,523
NC Avg. Earnings
$25,619
National Avg.
504
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Fine and Studio Arts in North Carolina

Public Schools (11)
$22,226
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (3)
$23,615
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $1,389 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Fine and Studio Arts Schools in North Carolina, Ranked by Earnings

#1
W

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC · Private

$44,170
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 21.6%
#2
U

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, NC · Public

$29,064
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $26,699
Graduates: 106
Acceptance: 80.2%
#3
U

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC · Public

$27,048
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $22,368
Graduates: 39
Acceptance: 18.7%
#4
E

East Carolina University

Greenville, NC · Public

$25,889
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $23,946
Graduates: 92
Acceptance: 90.1%
#5
U

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Wilmington, NC · Public

$24,035
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $20,849
Graduates: 34
Acceptance: 74.0%
#6
U

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Greensboro, NC · Public

$22,916
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $19,638
Graduates: 111
Acceptance: 89.8%
#7
N

North Carolina Central University

Durham, NC · Public

$22,192
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 90.5%
#8
W

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC · Public

$21,850
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $24,466
Graduates: 42
Acceptance: 86.7%
#9
U

University of North Carolina Asheville

Asheville, NC · Public

$20,140
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $17,440
Graduates: 46
Acceptance: 93.9%
#10
A

Appalachian State University

Boone, NC · Public

$19,227
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $15,835
Graduates: 61
Acceptance: 88.6%
#11
W

Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem, NC · Public

$18,154
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 68.5%
#12
G

Guilford College

Greensboro, NC · Private

$14,318
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 83.8%
#13
U

University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Pembroke, NC · Public

$13,969
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $18,612
Graduates: 17
Acceptance: 92.4%
#14
W

Warren Wilson College

Swannanoa, NC · Private

$12,356
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $15,469
Graduates: 20
Acceptance: 77.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Fine and Studio Arts in North Carolina?
Wake Forest University ranks #1 for Fine and Studio Arts in North Carolina with median graduate earnings of $44,170 within two years of graduation. There are 14 schools offering Fine and Studio Arts programs in the state.
How much do Fine and Studio Arts graduates earn in North Carolina?
Fine and Studio Arts graduates in North Carolina earn an average of $22,523 within two years of graduation. This is 12% below the national average of $25,619 for this major.
What is the hardest Fine and Studio Arts school to get into in North Carolina?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the most selective Fine and Studio Arts program in North Carolina with an acceptance rate of 18.7%. The average acceptance rate across Fine and Studio Arts programs in the state is 75.5%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Fine and Studio Arts in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, private Fine and Studio Arts programs produce average earnings of $23,615 vs $22,226 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 11 public and 3 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in North Carolina

All colleges in North Carolina →

Fine and Studio Arts in Other States

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.