Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Winston-Salem State University at a Glance
Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) is a public historically black university in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States. It is part of the University of North Carolina system.
1892
134 years old
$115M
$114.5 million (2025)
4,776
400
117 acres
Identity
Is Winston-Salem State University Worth It?
Winston-Salem State University offers moderate value at $13,479/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $45,344, which is 16% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 48% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $25,000 representing 55% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
How Winston-Salem State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #58 of 134 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #2 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #3 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #4 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #5 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #6 | Taft College | 96 | $2,823 | $38,861 |
| #58 | Winston-Salem State University | 40 | $13,479 | $45,344 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Winston-Salem State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in NC.
Best Programs at Winston-Salem State University
The highest-earning program at Winston-Salem State University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $60,400/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Communication and Media Studies at $20,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Winston-Salem State University earns $60,400, while a Communication and Media Studies graduate earns $20,100. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $13,192 in median debt vs. $26,671 for Communication and Media Studies.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $13,479/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $60,400 | $60,400 | $13,192 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | $48,200 | $48,200 | $18,125 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $31,100 | $31,100 | $30,169 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $30,900 | $30,900 | $27,561 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $29,100 | $29,100 | $29,200 |
| Biology, General | $29,000 | $29,000 | $26,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $27,500 | $27,500 | $25,927 |
| Sociology | $26,900 | $26,900 | $28,500 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $24,300 | $24,300 | $33,854 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $23,900 | $23,900 | $25,000 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions | $22,400 | $22,400 | $29,125 |
| Psychology, General | $21,700 | $21,700 | $25,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $20,100 | $20,100 | $26,671 |
Similar Colleges in NC
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Winston-Salem, NC
- Student Body
- 4,170 students
- Admission Rate
- 78%
- Graduation Rate
- 48%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $13,479
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $45,344
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000