Best Sociology Schools in North Carolina

North Carolina has 20 colleges offering Sociology programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 983 recent graduates. Graduates in North Carolina earn $28,188 on average within two years — 11% below the national average of $31,638. Lower cost of living or industry mix may explain the gap.

School choice matters significantly: Duke University graduates earn $45,305 while Guilford College graduates earn $18,771 — a $26,534 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in NC

$28,188

NC Avg. Earnings

$31,638

National Avg.

545

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Sociology in North Carolina

Public Schools (14)

$27,176

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (6)

$30,548

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $3,372 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Sociology Schools in North Carolina, Ranked by Earnings

Duke University

Durham, NC · Private

$45,305

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $60,357

Graduates: 30

Acceptance: 6.8%

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC · Private

$36,560

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $39,812

Graduates: 28

Acceptance: 21.6%

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, NC · Public

$30,988

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $32,626

Graduates: 227

Acceptance: 80.2%

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Greensboro, NC · Public

$30,371

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $24,191

Graduates: 146

Acceptance: 89.8%

Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville, NC · Public

$30,047

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $26,269

Graduates: 33

Acceptance: 79.9%

Saint Augustine's University

Raleigh, NC · Private

$29,685

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 58.7%

North Carolina A & T State University

Greensboro, NC · Public

$28,598

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $23,934

Graduates: 41

Acceptance: 46.2%

Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem, NC · Public

$28,598

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $17,643

Graduates: 21

Acceptance: 68.5%

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC · Public

$28,366

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $30,367

Graduates: 89

Acceptance: 18.7%

#10

Meredith College

Raleigh, NC · Private

East Carolina University

Greenville, NC · Public

$27,995

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $23,164

Graduates: 41

Acceptance: 90.1%

#12

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Wilmington, NC · Public

$27,618

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $25,805

Graduates: 38

Acceptance: 74.0%

#13

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC · Public

$26,997

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $22,479

Graduates: 39

Acceptance: 86.7%

#14

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Raleigh, NC · Public

$26,739

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $31,753

Graduates: 45

Acceptance: 39.9%

#15

Appalachian State University

Boone, NC · Public

$26,121

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $24,496

Graduates: 44

Acceptance: 88.6%

#16

University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Pembroke, NC · Public

$26,037

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $26,651

Graduates: 102

Acceptance: 92.4%

#17

Gardner-Webb University

Boiling Springs, NC · Private

Elizabeth City State University

Elizabeth City, NC · Public

$21,166

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $23,594

Graduates: 20

Acceptance: 70.5%

#19

University of North Carolina Asheville

Asheville, NC · Public

$20,824

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $23,294

Graduates: 39

Acceptance: 93.9%

#20

Guilford College

Greensboro, NC · Private

$18,771

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 83.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Sociology in North Carolina?

Duke University ranks #1 for Sociology in North Carolina with median graduate earnings of $45,305 within two years of graduation. There are 20 schools offering Sociology programs in the state.

How much do Sociology graduates earn in North Carolina?

Sociology graduates in North Carolina earn an average of $28,188 within two years of graduation. This is 11% below the national average of $31,638 for this major.

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

Duke University is the most selective Sociology program in North Carolina with an acceptance rate of 6.8%. The average acceptance rate across Sociology programs in the state is 67.6%.

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

In North Carolina, private Sociology programs produce average earnings of $30,548 vs $27,176 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 14 public and 6 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in North Carolina

Computer Engineering $79,319 Industrial Engineering $68,397 Biomedical/Medical Engineering $65,539 Chemical Engineering $65,411 Engineering, General $61,816 Computer Science $60,095 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $60,005 Information Science/Studies $59,670

All colleges in North Carolina →

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