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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $16,652 |
| Tuition and Fees | $8,353 |
| Room and Board | $11,449 |
| Books and Supplies | $372 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$8,760 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $7,892 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $6,233 |
| $30–48k | $6,908 |
| $48–75k | $8,983 |
| $75–110k | $13,354 |
| $110k+ | $14,112 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Student borrowing at Fayetteville State remains manageable relative to post-graduation earnings and peer institutions. Median student debt totals $22,987, exactly at the 50th percentile nationally and $1,882 below the peer median of $21,105.
Debt levels range from $7,500 at the 25th percentile to $29,279 at the 75th percentile, indicating variation in borrowing needs but reasonable upper limits. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 suggests manageable repayment obligations, with annual debt service representing roughly 57% of first-year earnings.
Parent PLUS borrowing averages $8,454 with monthly payments of $111, reflecting moderate family borrowing levels. The combination of controlled student debt and reasonable family borrowing creates sustainable financing for degree completion.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Fayetteville State represents a solid educational investment despite modest absolute earnings levels, delivering meaningful value through controlled costs and positive earnings performance. Graduates earn $2,447 beyond expectations based on student demographics and institutional characteristics, ranking at the 65.5th percentile nationally for value-added performance.
While median earnings of $40,144 fall below peer medians by $9,972, the combination with below-peer debt levels and significantly lower net prices creates favorable return dynamics. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 indicates sustainable borrowing, while the exceptional net price advantage of $6,733 below peers provides immediate family savings.
For students prioritizing access, affordability, and reasonable career outcomes, this investment profile supports degree completion without excessive financial burden. The earnings beyond expectations metric demonstrates institutional effectiveness in preparing students for career success relative to available resources and student preparation levels.
Fayetteville State's financial aid effectiveness reflects its mission of serving diverse student populations with strong economic support. The institution enrolls 52.6% Pell-eligible students, well above national averages, indicating substantial federal grant aid distribution.
Average financial aid savings of $8,738 annually represent more than half of the total cost of attendance, demonstrating comprehensive aid packaging that combines federal, state, and institutional resources. The university's public status provides access to North Carolina state aid programs, while its serving of underrepresented populations qualifies many students for additional federal grant programs.
This aid concentration toward lower-income students creates the progressive pricing structure seen across income tiers. The substantial aid effectiveness supports the institution's access mission while ensuring degree completion remains financially viable for graduates entering the workforce with manageable debt levels.
