Best Social Work Schools in North Carolina

North Carolina has 23 colleges offering Social Work programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 737 recent graduates. Graduates in North Carolina earn $28,819 on average within two years — 8% below the national average of $31,426. Lower cost of living or industry mix may explain the gap.

School choice matters significantly: Methodist University graduates earn $37,208 while Warren Wilson College graduates earn $18,401 — a $18,807 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

23
Schools in NC
$28,819
NC Avg. Earnings
$31,426
National Avg.
395
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Social Work in North Carolina

Public Schools (13)
$28,766
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (10)
$28,887
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $121 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Social Work Schools in North Carolina, Ranked by Earnings

#1
M

Methodist University

Fayetteville, NC · Private

$37,208
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 75.2%
#2
B

Bennett College

Greensboro, NC · Private

$36,488
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 33.6%
#3
A

Appalachian State University

Boone, NC · Public

$34,526
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $30,268
Graduates: 70
Acceptance: 88.6%
#4
M

Mars Hill University

Mars Hill, NC · Private

$33,726
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $31,048
Graduates: 31
Acceptance: 77.9%
#5
E

East Carolina University

Greenville, NC · Public

$33,616
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $34,899
Graduates: 52
Acceptance: 90.1%
#6
U

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Wilmington, NC · Public

$32,747
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $27,180
Graduates: 71
Acceptance: 74.0%
#7
S

Shaw University

Raleigh, NC · Private

$32,391
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $31,535
Graduates: 22
Acceptance: 30.5%
#8
B

Barton College

Wilson, NC · Private

$32,124
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $33,699
Graduates: 20
Acceptance: 95.9%
#9
U

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Greensboro, NC · Public

$31,021
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $32,380
Graduates: 81
Acceptance: 89.8%
#10
C

Campbell University

Buies Creek, NC · Private

$30,771
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 94.3%
#11
U

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, NC · Public

$30,305
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $30,742
Graduates: 49
Acceptance: 80.2%
#12
W

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC · Public

$30,167
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $30,194
Graduates: 62
Acceptance: 86.7%
#13
N

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Raleigh, NC · Public

$28,598
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $26,792
Graduates: 44
Acceptance: 39.9%
#14
W

Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem, NC · Public

$28,598
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $26,263
Graduates: 30
Acceptance: 68.5%
#15
F

Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville, NC · Public

$28,236
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $29,747
Graduates: 33
Acceptance: 79.9%
#16
J

Johnson C Smith University

Charlotte, NC · Private

$26,933
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $23,981
Graduates: 24
Acceptance: 42.9%
#17
U

University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Pembroke, NC · Public

$26,933
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $29,018
Graduates: 43
Acceptance: 92.4%
#18
E

Elizabeth City State University

Elizabeth City, NC · Public

$23,579
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 70.5%
#19
N

North Carolina A & T State University

Greensboro, NC · Public

$23,508
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $27,452
Graduates: 71
Acceptance: 46.2%
#20
N

North Carolina Central University

Durham, NC · Public

$22,130
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $24,577
Graduates: 34
Acceptance: 90.5%
#21
L

Livingstone College

Salisbury, NC · Private

$20,687
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 74.1%
#22
M

Meredith College

Raleigh, NC · Private

$20,140
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 74.7%
#23
W

Warren Wilson College

Swannanoa, NC · Private

$18,401
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 77.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Social Work in North Carolina?
Methodist University ranks #1 for Social Work in North Carolina with median graduate earnings of $37,208 within two years of graduation. There are 23 schools offering Social Work programs in the state.
How much do Social Work graduates earn in North Carolina?
Social Work graduates in North Carolina earn an average of $28,819 within two years of graduation. This is 8% below the national average of $31,426 for this major.
What is the hardest Social Work school to get into in North Carolina?
Shaw University is the most selective Social Work program in North Carolina with an acceptance rate of 30.5%. The average acceptance rate across Social Work programs in the state is 72.8%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Social Work in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, private Social Work programs produce average earnings of $28,887 vs $28,766 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 13 public and 10 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in North Carolina

All colleges in North Carolina →

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