In the last 20 years, North Carolina has moved from an economy based on tobacco, furniture manufacturing, and textiles, to a global economy in which some of the top industries are software and information technology, biopharmaceuticals and financial services, according to the North Carolina Department of Commerce.
Per capita income in North Carolina is $34,453, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Despite nationwide economic downturn, North Carolina's economy has improved since 2009, evidenced by improvement in employment, retail, home sales, and wage and salary income. Average earnings by all 3,896,750 workers were $39,420, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
No question about it, educational attainment can shape earning power, and colleges in North Carolina can help you achieve that goal. In 2009, workers with a bachelor's degree earned a mean wage of $1,025 per week, the BLS reports, compared to those with a high school diploma, who made just $626. By earning a degree, you can substantially increase your future career earning potential. If you attend one of the North Carolina online colleges that offers hybrid education, you may be able to take campus-based and online classes. Studies have shown blended education often offer additional learning time and instruction.
If financing your education is an issue, check out the opportunities at College Foundation of North Carolina.