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 keeps costs low, and that is the strongest thing going for it. A net price around $7,360 a year with median debt under $23,000 means you are not taking on a heavy loan burden. The problem is the payoff: median earnings ten years out sit around $40,000, which is modest for a bachelor's degree. The financial return here is mixed, and it hinges almost entirely on what you study.
The split between programs is sharp. Fire Protection and Nursing are the two majors that clearly pay off, with Fire Protection graduates earning close to $70,000 and carrying under $14,000 in debt. Nursing follows at roughly $62,000. These are the degrees that turn FSU's low price into a real win. Computer Science and Accounting, by contrast, land near or below the school's $40,000 median while carrying more debt. Computer Science graduates borrow over $24,000 and earn about $39,000, so you take on the most debt for one of the weaker payoffs on this list. Finance sits in the same soft middle.
The clearest risk is the 35% graduation rate. If you borrow and leave without the degree, you get the debt without the earnings. Retention is stronger at 78%, so the first year is not where most people fall off, but finishing is not the default here.
This school fits you if you are aiming at Fire Protection or Nursing and want to graduate with little debt. If your family earns under $30,000, your net price drops below $6,000, which makes those two programs a strong bet. If you plan to major in something with a soft salary line and you are prone to stopping out, look harder before you enroll.
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.