At $7,360/yr net price, Fayetteville State University graduates earn $40,144/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,144/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,360 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $29,440 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,144/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,144/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,987 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,742/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,901/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,806/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,448/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,998/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Protection. | Bachelor | $69,338 | $13,836 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $67,660 | $31,571 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $61,814 | $17,599 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $52,420 | $36,809 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $50,270 | |
| Social Work. | Master | $42,961 | $32,182 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $40,467 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $39,369 | $24,248 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $36,992 | $20,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $36,642 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
35.2% of students at Fayetteville State University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Fayetteville State University offers strong financial returns for specific career-focused programs, but your success depends heavily on choosing the right major. The low net price of $7,360 annually makes this one of North Carolina's most affordable options, but the 35% graduation rate creates significant risk that you won't finish your degree.
Fire Protection stands out with $69,338 median earnings and just $13,836 in debt, delivering strong ROI in North Carolina's growing public safety sector. Nursing graduates earn $61,814 with manageable $17,599 debt, positioning you well for the state's healthcare job market. Business Administration pays $67,660 but carries higher debt at $31,571, so calculate carefully whether the premium justifies the cost.
Educational Administration graduates face a concerning mismatch with $52,420 earnings against $36,809 debt. This program's financial math doesn't work unless you're already employed in education and seeking advancement.
The biggest financial risk here is not graduating. With only one in three students completing their degree, you could end up with debt but no credential. The 78% retention rate suggests many students struggle after freshman year.
This school makes financial sense if you're pursuing high-demand fields like nursing or fire protection and need an affordable path to professional credentials. North Carolina residents benefit most from the low in-state pricing. However, if you're undecided about your major or considering liberal arts programs, the graduation rate risks may outweigh the low sticker price. You need clear career goals and strong academic preparation to succeed here financially.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fayetteville State University worth the cost?
Fayetteville State University offers reasonable value with a low net price of $7,360 annually, but graduates earn below-average salaries at $40,144 after 10 years. The school's 35% graduation rate is concerning and affects overall return on investment.
What are the best paying majors at Fayetteville State University?
Fire Protection ($69,338) and Business Administration ($67,660) offer the strongest earning potential at Fayetteville State University. Nursing graduates earn $61,814, which provides solid career prospects in a growing field.
How much student debt do Fayetteville State University graduates have?
Fayetteville State University graduates leave with a median debt of $22,987, which is manageable given the low annual cost. However, the relatively low post-graduation earnings make debt repayment challenging for some majors.
Does Fayetteville State University have good financial aid?
Fayetteville State University keeps costs affordable with a net price of $7,360 per year after aid. The low sticker price makes it accessible, though students should carefully consider graduation rates and career outcomes for their chosen major.