About Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville State University has educated students as a historically black institution since 1867. The full university enrolls 5,493 students in the mid-sized city of Fayetteville, serving primarily as a regional institution for southeastern North Carolina. With an 81% acceptance rate and average SAT scores of 965, FSU provides accessible higher education opportunities. The university attracts students seeking a supportive HBCU environment with strong community connections.
The financial picture tells a compelling affordability story. Students pay an average net price of $7,360 after aid, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $5,742. Graduates earn a median of $40,144 ten years after graduation, while carrying median debt of $22,987. Monthly loan payments average $244, making this education financially manageable for most graduates. Over half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving first-generation and low-income students.
The student body is predominantly female at 69% and includes 63% Black students and 89% North Carolina residents. The Broncos compete in NCAA Division II with 11 varsity sports and 216 total athletes. However, the 35% six-year graduation rate suggests students may need extra support to complete their degrees successfully.
The financial picture tells a compelling affordability story. Students pay an average net price of $7,360 after aid, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $5,742. Graduates earn a median of $40,144 ten years after graduation, while carrying median debt of $22,987. Monthly loan payments average $244, making this education financially manageable for most graduates. Over half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving first-generation and low-income students.
The student body is predominantly female at 69% and includes 63% Black students and 89% North Carolina residents. The Broncos compete in NCAA Division II with 11 varsity sports and 216 total athletes. However, the 35% six-year graduation rate suggests students may need extra support to complete their degrees successfully.
Academics & Faculty
Fayetteville State University operates as a full regional institution with a 19:1 student-faculty ratio that provides reasonable access to professors. The university's 39% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing academics with work and family responsibilities common at HBCUs serving first-generation college students. FSU has built a strong reputation in education, criminal justice, and business programs that prepare graduates for careers in public service and regional industries. The school's nursing program attracts students seeking healthcare careers, while its teacher preparation programs help address North Carolina's educator shortage. Over half of students receive Pell Grants, indicating FSU's mission to serve economically diverse populations.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 77.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 39.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 35.2%
- Retention Rate
- 77.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,144
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Protection. | Bachelor | $69,338 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $67,660 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $61,814 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $52,420 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $50,270 |
| Social Work. | Master | $42,961 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $40,467 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $39,369 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $36,992 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $36,642 |
Campus Life
Campus life unfolds in downtown Fayetteville, about an hour south of Raleigh and near Fort Bragg military base. Only 27% of students live on campus in the 1,485 dormitory spaces, creating a commuter-heavy atmosphere where many students drive home on weekends. The student body is 69% women and 63% Black, reflecting the university's HBCU heritage and mission.
North Carolina's moderate climate means light jackets in winter but plenty of warm weather for outdoor activities. Students often gather around the student center or catch Broncos games, with 11 varsity sports competing in Division II. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller class sizes typical of regional universities. Weekend options include exploring Fayetteville's downtown area or heading to nearby Fort Bragg events. With 89% of students from North Carolina, campus culture has strong regional roots. The semester system and relatively high 78% retention rate suggest students find their footing, though the commuter nature means weekends can feel quiet for those staying on campus.
North Carolina's moderate climate means light jackets in winter but plenty of warm weather for outdoor activities. Students often gather around the student center or catch Broncos games, with 11 varsity sports competing in Division II. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller class sizes typical of regional universities. Weekend options include exploring Fayetteville's downtown area or heading to nearby Fort Bragg events. With 89% of students from North Carolina, campus culture has strong regional roots. The semester system and relatively high 78% retention rate suggest students find their footing, though the commuter nature means weekends can feel quiet for those staying on campus.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 1,485 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1867
Campus Safety (2023)
48 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 11 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Burglary | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 30°–52°F
- July Avg
- 70°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 45.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 1.0"
Student Demographics
This historically black university draws almost 90 percent of its 5,493 students from North Carolina, reflecting its deep roots in the regional community. More than half receive Pell Grants, showing the school's commitment to serving first-generation and lower-income students who might not otherwise access higher education. Women make up nearly 70 percent of the student body, drawn largely to the university's strong programs in education, nursing, and social work. The campus maintains its HBCU identity while welcoming a growing number of Hispanic students to southeastern North Carolina.
- Men
- 31.0%
- Women
- 69.0%
- White
- 15.4%
- Black
- 63.3%
- Hispanic
- 10.0%
- Asian
- 1.2%
- In-State Students
- 89.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 52.6%
Location
Fayetteville sits in south-central North Carolina, about 60 miles from Raleigh and 55 miles from Wilmington. The city of 208,000 residents centers around Fort Liberty, one of the largest military installations in the world. Students find themselves in a military town where uniformed personnel are common sights downtown and in local businesses. The Cape Fear River runs through the city, providing outdoor recreation opportunities. Nearly 90% of students come from within North Carolina, reflecting the university's strong ties to the state. The surrounding Sandhills region offers a mix of pine forests and small towns. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Fayetteville State University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301-4298
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,144
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $47,162
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $27,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 29.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $244/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,987
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Fayetteville State University?
Fayetteville State University accepts 81% of applicants with an average SAT score of 965. This historically black public university provides accessible higher education to students from diverse backgrounds, with nearly 90% of students coming from North Carolina.
How much does Fayetteville State University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $7,360, making it one of the most affordable options in the state. Over half of students receive Pell Grants, and the university keeps costs low with in-state tuition at just $3,969 annually.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Fayetteville State University?
The student-faculty ratio is 19:1 across the university's 5,493 students. As a comprehensive regional institution, FSU emphasizes teaching and student support rather than large research programs.
What are the graduation outcomes at Fayetteville State University?
The six-year graduation rate is 35%, and graduates earn a median salary of $40,144 ten years after enrollment. The university serves many first-generation college students and focuses on providing pathways to middle-class careers in southeastern North Carolina.
Where do students live at Fayetteville State University?
Campus housing accommodates 1,485 students, with room and board costing $11,302 annually. The university creates a close-knit community atmosphere where nearly 70% of students are women and the campus serves as a cultural center for the region.
Does Fayetteville State University compete in Division I athletics?
FSU competes in NCAA Division II as the Broncos, offering 11 varsity sports with 216 total athletes. The university awards $1.3 million in athletic scholarships and competes in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, a conference historically comprised of HBCUs.
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