Winston-Salem State University provides an affordable pathway to higher education for students from diverse economic backgrounds, with particularly strong outcomes in nursing and health sciences.
The university combines broad access with reasonable costs, making college attainable for families who might struggle with higher-priced alternatives.
Winston-Salem State University is a medium-sized public university in North Carolina that serves as an important access point for students from diverse economic backgrounds. While Azimuth ranks the institution in the lower tier nationally for overall outcomes, WSSU demonstrates a clear commitment to educational opportunity, with 61% of students receiving Pell Grants and about 35% being first-generation college students. The university maintains relatively affordable net prices across all income levels, making higher education accessible to families who might otherwise struggle with college costs.
WSU's outcomes vary significantly by program, with nursing standing out as a particular strength that drives much of the institution's economic impact. Adult Health Nursing graduates earn a median of $62,067 ten years after enrollment, substantially higher than the university's overall median of $45,344. This program alone accounts for 268 graduates and represents the institution's highest aggregate return to students.
As an historically black public university, WSSU plays a vital role in North Carolina's higher education landscape by providing pathways to degree completion for students who might face barriers elsewhere. While overall earnings lag behind state and national averages, the university's affordability and accessibility create opportunities for upward mobility, particularly in healthcare fields where demand remains strong and career prospects are stable.
Winston-Salem State University's program portfolio reflects its mission as a comprehensive public university with particular strength in health sciences and human services. Adult Health Nursing stands out as the institution's flagship program, graduating 268 students with strong median earnings of $62,067 that rival outcomes at much more selective universities. This program alone drives much of WSSU's economic impact and demonstrates the university's ability to prepare students for high-demand, well-compensated careers in healthcare.
Other health-related programs also show solid outcomes, with Blood Bank Technology graduates earning $47,930 despite smaller cohort sizes. However, the university's program mix includes fields with more modest earning potential, such as Exercise Science and Kinesiology, where graduates earn around $22,868. This reflects WSSU's comprehensive mission serving students interested in education, social services, and allied health fields that prioritize service over high salaries.
The concentration in health sciences and human services aligns with regional workforce needs and provides stable career pathways for graduates. While not all programs deliver high earnings, they prepare students for meaningful work in education, healthcare, and community service - careers that offer job security and opportunities for advancement over time, even if starting salaries are modest.
Winston-Salem State University graduates earn a median of $45,344 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution in the lower tier nationally for long-term earnings outcomes. However, graduates do see some earnings beyond expectations, with actual outcomes running about $5,990 higher than what similar students achieve at comparable institutions. This modest but meaningful advantage suggests that WSSU provides solid value within its mission and student population, even if absolute earnings levels remain below national averages.
Program choice makes a significant difference in financial outcomes at WSSU. Adult Health Nursing, the university's largest and most successful program with 268 graduates, produces median earnings of $62,067 - substantially higher than the institutional average and competitive with nursing programs nationwide. Other health-related programs like Blood Bank Technology also show strong earning potential at $47,930. However, programs like Exercise Science and Kinesiology produce more modest outcomes, with graduates earning around $22,868, reflecting the varied career paths and earning potential across different fields of study.
The university's program mix heavily emphasizes health sciences and education, fields that typically offer stable employment but moderate starting salaries that can grow over time. While 127 graduates earn more than $75,000 annually, representing solid success stories, the overall earnings profile reflects both the institution's focus on service-oriented careers and the economic realities facing many graduates in education, social work, and allied health fields.
Winston-Salem State University offers strong affordability across all income levels, making it accessible to families throughout the economic spectrum. Low-income students pay a net price of just $11,012 annually, well below national averages for public universities, while middle-income families face costs of $15,668 per year. Even high-income families pay a relatively modest $20,815, reflecting the university's commitment to keeping education affordable regardless of family financial circumstances.
The university's debt levels are manageable for most students, with typical federal loan debt of $25,000 upon graduation. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $10,782, a moderate level that suggests families are able to cover much of their costs through grants, work-study, and personal contributions rather than relying heavily on parent borrowing. Notably, the federal loan default rate stands at 0%, indicating that graduates are successfully managing their debt obligations despite modest earnings levels.
What makes WSSU particularly sustainable financially is the combination of low upfront costs and reasonable debt levels. While graduate earnings are modest compared to flagship universities, the debt-to-income ratio remains workable for most students. The university's loan repayment patterns show steady progress, with borrowers making consistent payments and avoiding the default problems that can plague institutions serving similar populations.
Winston-Salem State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
