At $13,393/yr net price, Winston-Salem State University graduates earn $45,344/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,344/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,393 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $53,572 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,344/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,344/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,012/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,586/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,668/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,214/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,815/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $88,195 | $26,157 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $73,446 | $61,191 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $62,067 | $16,874 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $59,837 | $31,610 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $47,930 | $20,778 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $26,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $40,647 | |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $35,420 | |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $32,391 | $25,000 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $32,094 | $28,515 |
The Risk Factor
48.6% of students at Winston-Salem State University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Winston-Salem State University delivers mixed financial returns, with healthcare programs offering strong earning potential but nearly half of students failing to graduate.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $88,195 annually against manageable debt of $26,157. Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions also pay well at $73,446, though debt loads vary significantly between programs in this field. Clinical laboratory science provides solid middle-ground returns at $47,930 with reasonable debt of $20,778.
The 48.6% graduation rate creates substantial financial risk. If you don't finish, you face loan payments without the degree premium that makes borrowing worthwhile. The 75% retention rate suggests many students struggle after freshman year.
Your financial aid package matters significantly here, with 61% of students receiving assistance. The $13,393 net price makes Winston-Salem State affordable for North Carolina residents, but you need to graduate to realize the investment value.
This school makes financial sense if you can commit to a healthcare program and have the academic preparation to complete your degree. The nursing program particularly offers excellent ROI given the strong job market in North Carolina's Research Triangle region. Students considering liberal arts or undecided majors face weaker financial prospects given the low graduation rate.
Avoid Winston-Salem State if you're uncertain about your major or have struggled academically. The combination of modest overall earnings and high dropout risk creates too much financial uncertainty for students who aren't committed to completing their degrees in high-earning fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Winston-Salem State University worth the cost?
Winston-Salem State University offers mixed value depending on your major. Nursing and rehabilitation programs show strong returns with graduates earning $60,000-$88,000, but the overall 10-year median earnings of $45,344 barely justify the investment for many other fields.
What are the best paying majors at Winston-Salem State University?
Nursing programs lead earnings at Winston-Salem State, with some graduates earning up to $88,195 annually. Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions also perform well at around $60,000-$73,000, while most other programs fall well below these levels.
How much debt do Winston-Salem State University graduates have?
Winston-Salem State graduates leave with a median debt of $25,000. With average earnings of $45,344 ten years after graduation, this creates a manageable but not impressive debt-to-income ratio for most students.
What is the graduation rate at Winston-Salem State University?
Winston-Salem State University has a 48.6% graduation rate, meaning over half of students who start never finish their degree. This significantly increases the risk that your investment won't pay off at all.