Livingstone College
Livingstone College is a private nonprofit university in Salisbury, NC ranked #1103 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B-, enrolling about 924 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 59.2%. Students most often pursue Criminal Justice and Corrections and Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Academically, students benefit from a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, 70.6% first-year retention, and 28.2% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $13,479, about $3,519 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -55.4%, roughly 140.7 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $24,024. That's about $19,664 below national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Livingstone College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Livingstone College graduates 28.2% of students within six years and keeps 70.6% of first-year students. Affordability earns an A compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Livingstone College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $18,296 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,300 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $6,794 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,000 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $28,305 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 82.1% of Livingstone College students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $13,860 to $16,018 depending on family income. Use Livingstone College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $14,558/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $16,018/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $24,024
- 10-Year Median Earnings $24,024
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $26,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 15.6%
- Employment Rate 85.8%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Livingstone College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Livingstone College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Livingstone College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Livingstone College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Livingstone College graduates earn $24,024 median, the -55.4% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 924
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 70.6%
- Graduation Rate 28.2%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 14:1
How to Get Into Livingstone College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Livingstone College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 59.2%, Livingstone College is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 59.2% acceptance rate, Livingstone College is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Livingstone College undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Criminal Justice and Corrections, and Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 17.0%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 15.2%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 13.5%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 11.7%
- Biology, General 9.4%
- Psychology, General 7.0%
See more majors
- Computer and Information Sciences, General 6.4%
- Social Work 5.8%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Criminal Justice and Corrections $42,427
- 2. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $37,213
- 3. Biology, General $35,697
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations $34,386
- 5. Social Work $31,739
- 6. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $31,627
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Criminal Justice and Corrections grads earn $42,427—34% more than Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($31,627). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Livingstone College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 26 graduates)
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degree, 23 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 20 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 16 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 12 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (17 programs)▼
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Biology, General
- Psychology, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Social Work
- Mathematics
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- English Language and Literature, General
- Sociology
- Political Science and Government
- History
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Music
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (2 programs)▼
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Culinary Arts and Related Services
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 924
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 58.2%
- Female Students 41.8%
- Caucasian 2.1%
- Asian 0.1%
- Hispanic 0.5%
- Black 86.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients 82.1%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Livingstone College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Livingstone College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Livingstone College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Livingstone College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Livingstone College has a diverse student body, with 2.1% identifying as White. 82.1% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Livingstone College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Livingstone College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Livingstone College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -55.4% ROI. Ranked #1103 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $13,479 annual net price is competitive with public out-of-state tuition, offset somewhat by $24,024 median earnings. With 28.2% graduating within six years and 70.6% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Livingstone College's Positioning
With a B- grade and #1103 ranking, Livingstone College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $13,479 annually, Livingstone College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 70.6% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $9,435 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -55.4% ROI and $24,024 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $3,479+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Livingstone College ranks #1103 of 1942 institutions, with 1272 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 28.2% six-year graduation rate sits 34.3 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 70.6% first-year retention is 6.2 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -55.4% return on investment is 140.7 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $24,024 run about 45% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $13,479 is roughly $6,538 lower than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 14:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 70.6% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 85.8% employment rate within three years sits 17.6 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Livingstone College is a private nonprofit university based in Salisbury, NC and earns a B- overall grade. It is currently ranked #1103 nationally Grades by category break down as Completion C, Support B-, Career Outcomes C, and Affordability A.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
70.6% of learners come back after year one while 28.2% complete the degree within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -55.4%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $13,479 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $28,305.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $14,826 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $26,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 82.1% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $24,024 six years after entry. Compared with the national median, that's 45% lower.
The three-year employment rate is close to 85.8%.
The ROI comes in near -55.4%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
59.2% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Livingstone College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Salisbury, NC 28144
- Website livingstone.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$6.5M