Fayetteville State combines exceptional affordability with meaningful access for underrepresented students. The university generates $2,447 in earnings beyond expectations while maintaining a net price of $7,360, well below peer institutions, supporting long-term economic mobility for diverse student populations.
Lower absolute earnings levels
Exceptional cost control and financial aid effectiveness
Strong enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students
Demonstrating meaningful economic advancement despite resource constraints
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisStrong affordability with 79.9% acceptance
Fayetteville State University ranks #346 nationally in Azimuth's analysis, with strong performance at the 78.8th percentile. Located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, this medium-sized public university maintains open access with a 79.9% acceptance rate while serving a diverse student body.
The institution enrolls 52.6% Pell-eligible students and 40.9% first-generation students, demonstrating substantial commitment to educational access. Graduates earn $40,144 ten years after enrollment, which falls at the 16th percentile nationally but represents $2,447 in earnings beyond expectations, ranking at the 65.5th percentile for value-added performance.
This combination of high accessibility, strong financial aid, and positive earnings uplift places Fayetteville State among institutions classified as Under-Resourced, where access is prioritized alongside meaningful economic advancement for underrepresented populations.
Fayetteville State delivers earnings beyond expectations while maintaining exceptional affordability for students. Graduates earn $2,447 above predicted levels based on student demographics and institutional characteristics, ranking at the 65.5th percentile nationally for earnings uplift.
While median earnings of $40,144 fall below national averages, this performance exceeds expectations given the institution's focus on access and support for lower-income students. Median student debt of $22,987 aligns with national averages at the 50th percentile but remains $1,882 below the peer median of $21,105.
Students seeking affordable access to healthcare programs, particularly Adult Health Nursing and Fire Prevention Technology, with strong financial aid support. Well-suited for first-generation students (40.9%) and Pell-eligible students (52.6%) prioritizing low debt and manageable costs over maximum earnings potential.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
Comprehensive Analysis
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This is the Fayetteville State University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/fayetteville-state-university/analysis.
Fayetteville State maintains an open access approach with a 79.9% acceptance rate, meaning approximately 4 in 5 applicants receive admission offers. This acceptance rate falls significantly above the peer median of 84.6%, positioning the university as moderately accessible within the landscape of similar public institutions.
The institution's admission philosophy prioritizes educational opportunity and community service, reflected in its substantial enrollment of first-generation and Pell-eligible students. For prospective students, this acceptance rate indicates strong admission prospects for those meeting basic eligibility requirements.
Students should expect a welcoming application environment focused on potential rather than exclusive selectivity. The university's mission emphasizes serving North Carolina residents and underrepresented populations, making it an excellent choice for students seeking accessible higher education.
Applicants should prepare standard application materials while understanding that Fayetteville State evaluates candidates holistically, considering academic preparation alongside personal circumstances and potential for success. This approach supports the institution's role in providing educational pathways for diverse student backgrounds and career aspirations.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Fayetteville State delivers exceptional value through comprehensive financial aid that significantly reduces costs for students and families. The published cost of attendance totals $16,098 annually, including $7,969 in out-of-state tuition (or $3,969 for North Carolina residents), $11,302 for room and board, and $420 for books and supplies.
However, the average student pays just $7,360 after financial aid, representing savings of $8,738 annually. This net price falls $6,733 below the peer median of $14,093, positioning Fayetteville State among the most affordable options in its category.
The substantial gap between sticker price and actual cost reflects the university's commitment to accessibility and strong federal and state financial aid programs. For prospective students and families, this pricing structure means the vast majority pay significantly less than published rates.
The affordability extends across income levels, with even higher-income families benefiting from competitive pricing compared to peer institutions.
Fayetteville State graduates demonstrate modest but consistent earnings growth over time. Median earnings increase from $37,831 six years after enrollment to $38,524 at eight years and $40,144 at ten years, representing 6.1% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes reflect a ten-year cohort of 1,729 graduates, providing reliable confidence in reported figures. The institution generates $2,447 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it at the 65.5th percentile nationally for value-added performance.
This indicates graduates achieve stronger outcomes than predicted based on incoming student characteristics and institutional resources. Earnings range from $25,067 at the 25th percentile to $56,069 at the 75th percentile, reflecting a 2.2:1 ratio between top and bottom quartiles.
Low-income graduates earn $32,500, while approximately 27.8% continue to graduate or professional study. The earnings trajectory shows steady improvement as graduates advance in their careers, with the value-added performance demonstrating the institution's effectiveness in supporting student success despite resource constraints.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Texas A&M University-San Antonio Similar quality tier (#344 ranked) | TX | 92% | $54,338 | #344 | Compare |
State University Of New York At Oswego Similar quality tier (#341 ranked) | NY | 80% | $57,566 | #341 | Compare |
University Of Alabama In Huntsville Similar quality tier in Southeast (#346 ranked) | AL | 74% | $61,767 | #346 | Compare |
University Of Illinois Springfield Similar quality tier (#336 ranked) | IL | 84% | $57,103 | #336 | Compare |
Suny Brockport Similar quality tier (#348 ranked) | NY | 71% | $54,496 | #348 | Compare |
Fire Prevention and Safety Technology/Technician.
43 graduates
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
200 graduates
Computer Science.
21 graduates
Banking and Financial Support Services.
23 graduates
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.
38 graduates
Fayetteville State offers 15 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for evaluation. Fire Prevention and Safety Technology ranks #4 nationally and #1 in North Carolina, graduating 43 students with median earnings of $77,717 and an exceptional value score of 66.7.
Adult Health Nursing ranks #102 nationally and #3 in North Carolina, representing the institution's largest program with 200 graduates earning $74,916 annually. Business Administration and Management graduates 117 students with median earnings of $42,451, ranking #277 nationally.
Psychology serves 117 students with earnings of $36,420, while General Studies graduates 60 students earning $37,527 with a strong value score of 33.1. Corrections Administration and Forensic Social Work round out the top programs, demonstrating the university's strength in public service and healthcare fields that serve community needs.
