Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem, North Carolina · Public · 78.3% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 27/100 · Poor Value
Winston-Salem State University earns a Poor Value tier ROI score of 27, with five out of five subscores in concerning territory. The 44.3% repayment rate (subscore 5) is the worst single number on the card, indicating that more than half of borrowers are not making meaningful progress on principal. Despite very low in-state tuition ($6,126) and a modest $13,479 average net price ($53,916 over four years), median 10-year earnings of just $45,344 against $25,000 in median debt produce a 0.791 debt-to-earnings ratio and an 18.7-year payback period. Completion sits at 46.7%. WSSU's HBCU mission and high-Pell student population (64.9%) explain part of the structural difficulty, the school serves a population that faces broader labor-market challenges post-graduation. Nursing and clinical lab science programs produce strong outcomes (B+ and B grades), but the dominant programs (psychology, business, criminal justice) cluster in the D-F range.
The data raises concerns about Winston-Salem State University
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- ROI Score27/100 - Poor Value tier (below 45). Most 4-year schools we track score 60 or higher.
- Payback period18.7 years - Most 4-year schools we track have payback periods of 4-10 years.
Winston-Salem State University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $6,126/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $16,782/yr |
| Average net price | $13,479/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $53,916 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,344 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $31,600 |
| Median debt at graduation | $25,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $265 |
| Estimated payback period | 18.7 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 46.7% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 4,170 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Winston-Salem State University is $6,126/year ($16,782/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $13,479/year, or roughly $53,916 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $11,463/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $21,405/year.
The median graduate leaves with $25,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $265 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $45,344 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.79 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,463 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,412 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,681 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,813 |
| $110,001+ | $21,405 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families under $30,000 pay $11,463 per year, $45,900 over four years. With Pell coverage of low in-state tuition, this represents one of the lowest-cost four-year credentials in North Carolina for low-income students. The 46.7% completion rate is the dominant risk, students who don't finish carry the debt without the credential.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The $48,001-$75,000 bracket pays $14,681 and $75,001-$110,000 pays $18,813. Four-year cost runs $58,700 to $75,300, still affordable by national standards. With $45,344 median 10-year earnings, the math is workable for completers in stronger program tracks but tight in the dominant lower-earning majors.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Households over $110,000 pay $21,405 per year, $85,600 over four years. Out-of-state tuition is $16,782. For higher-income North Carolina families the cost is still modest, but the weak completion and earnings profiles argue strongly for evaluation against UNC-Chapel Hill, NC State, or Appalachian State (all materially stronger ROI options).
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Winston-Salem State University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $84,952 | B+ |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $45,182 | D |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $43,313 | D |
| Psychology | $40,797 | F |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $43,292 | D |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | $70,450 | B |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $42,020 | D |
| Social Work | $53,028 | D |
| Biology | $47,527 | D |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions | $42,179 | D |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Registered Nursing
Registered Nursing is one of WSSU's largest programs with 158 graduates and earns a B+ ROI grade, the school's strongest single program. First-year earnings of $72,639 climb to $84,952 by year four, very strong for the field. Median debt of $24,082 against these earnings produces a 0.332 debt-to-earnings ratio. Combined with the very low in-state tuition, this is one of the strongest nursing values in the entire North Carolina public system.
Health and Medical Administrative Services
Health and Medical Administrative Services has 82 graduates and earns a D ROI grade. First-year earnings of $30,863 grow to $45,182 by year four, but $30,500 in median debt produces a 0.988 debt-to-earnings ratio, near the dangerous 1.0 threshold. This is one of the larger programs at WSSU but produces some of the weakest outcomes.
Kinesiology and Exercise Science
Kinesiology has 76 graduates and earns a D ROI grade. First-year earnings of just $26,467 are low and four-year earnings of $43,313 against $26,000 in median debt produce a 0.982 debt-to-earnings ratio. As nationally, kinesiology graduates typically need additional certification or graduate work to produce viable earnings outcomes.
Psychology
Psychology has 65 graduates and earns an F ROI grade. First-year earnings of just $25,637 and four-year earnings of $40,797 against $27,375 in median debt produce a 1.068 debt-to-earnings ratio, students owe more than annual earnings. As nationally, psychology requires graduate or professional school for viable outcomes, the bachelor's-only path at WSSU is financially difficult.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration has 64 graduates and earns a D ROI grade. First-year earnings of $32,541 grow to $43,292 by year four, modest. With $28,805 in median debt and a 0.885 debt-to-earnings ratio, the credential alone produces a tight financial picture. Compared to UNC system peers like East Carolina or Appalachian State, the earnings outcomes are notably weaker.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 34.6% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 44.3% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 40.2% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 44.0% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 78.3% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 400-500 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 430-520 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 15-20 |
| Enrollment | 4,170 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 64.9% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $9,217 |
WSSU admits 78.3% of applicants. SAT mid-50% bands run 400-500 math and 430-520 reading, with ACT composites 15-20, the lowest test score profile in this batch. The combination of relatively open admission and low incoming test scores aligns with the 46.7% completion rate, the school accepts a population that includes many academically underprepared students. WSSU's HBCU mission centers on access and educational opportunity for traditionally underserved students.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Peer institutions include Appalachian State University and East Carolina University (both larger, more selective NC publics with stronger outcomes), Morehead State University (Kentucky regional public), Winthrop University (South Carolina regional public), and Rogers State University (Oklahoma regional public). Within this peer set, WSSU's $45,344 ten-year earnings are weakest. Appalachian State and East Carolina, both within the UNC system, produce materially stronger outcomes, reflecting the gap between the system's flagship-track institutions and WSSU's HBCU mission.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winston-Salem State University (this school) | 27 | $13,479 | $45,344 |
| Morehouse College | 29 | $39,013 | $52,889 |
| Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University | 28 | $13,739 | $44,349 |
| Prairie View A & M University | 27 | $13,570 | $45,411 |
| Tuskegee University | 26 | $35,013 | $49,641 |
| Edward Waters University | 25 | $13,649 | $34,782 |
Who Thrives Here
With 4,170 students and a 64.9% Pell rate (the highest in this batch), WSSU is a mid-size HBCU serving a predominantly Black, working-class North Carolina student population. The school fits Pell-eligible students drawn to the HBCU community and pursuing nursing or allied health credentials at low cost. The $6,126 in-state tuition is genuinely affordable, and WSSU's nursing program (B+ ROI grade, 158 graduates) is one of the strongest values in the UNC system. Students in psychology, communications, or general business should walk in with a clear graduate-school plan or career credential pivot.
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about Winston-Salem State University. With a net cost of $13,479 per year and median graduate earnings of only $45,344 ten years out, the estimated payback period exceeds 18.7 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Areas of concern include weak earnings relative to cost and a 46.7% graduation rate and high debt relative to what graduates earn and concerning loan repayment rates and a long payback period.
Median debt of $25,000 against $45,344 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.