Winston-Salem State University's published cost of attendance reaches $22,345 annually, including $6,735 in-state tuition, $11,484 for room and board, and $1,690 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $17,391, though most students benefit from financial aid that substantially reduces actual costs.
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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) | $22,345 |
| Tuition and Fees | $17,391 |
| Room and Board | $11,484 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,690 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$8,952 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $13,393 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $11,012 |
| $30–48k | $12,586 |
| $48–75k | $15,668 |
| $75–110k | $20,214 |
| $110k+ | $20,815 |
Winston-Salem State University's published cost of attendance reaches $22,345 annually, including $6,735 in-state tuition, $11,484 for room and board, and $1,690 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $17,391, though most students benefit from financial aid that substantially reduces actual costs. The average student pays $13,393 after financial aid, representing savings of $8,952 from the sticker price.
This net price of $13,393 sits $700 above the peer median of $14,093, indicating costs slightly above similar public regional universities but within reasonable range. The financial aid system at Winston-Salem State University demonstrates progressive pricing that varies significantly by family income level. Net costs range from $11,012 for families earning under $30,000 to $20,815 for those earning over $110,000, creating a $9,803 spread that targets aid toward those with greatest financial need.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is moderate relative to earnings. Manageable for most graduates, but higher-debt borrowers should plan carefully.
Winston-Salem State University graduates carry median debt of $25,000, placing the institution in the 28th percentile nationally with below average tier performance for debt levels. This debt load sits $3,895 above the peer median of $21,105, indicating somewhat higher borrowing than similar regional public universities.
The debt distribution ranges from $7,000 at the 25th percentile to $28,000 at the 75th percentile, showing variation in borrowing patterns among graduates. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55 indicates that typical monthly loan payments consume about 10-12% of gross income, falling within manageable ranges for most graduates.
Parent PLUS debt reaches a median of $10,782 with monthly payments of $142, adding moderate family borrowing to the overall debt picture. While debt levels exceed peer institutions, the combination with earnings beyond expectations of $5,989 helps offset borrowing concerns.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Winston-Salem State University delivers favorable return on investment through its combination of moderate costs and earnings performance that exceeds expectations. The university generates $5,989 in earnings beyond expectations, ranking in the 77th percentile nationally and achieving well above average tier performance on this key value metric.
While median debt of $25,000 exceeds the peer median by $3,895, graduates earn competitively relative to their academic and demographic backgrounds. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55 indicates manageable repayment burdens, with loan payments consuming approximately 10-12% of gross income for typical graduates.
Net costs averaging $13,393 remain reasonable for public higher education, particularly given the university's success in serving first-generation and Pell-eligible students who often lack family financial support. The investment proposition strengthens when considering program-specific outcomes, with nursing graduates earning $73,285 and other health science programs delivering strong regional career prospects.
Winston-Salem State University's financial aid system serves a predominantly lower-income student population, with 61.5% of students receiving Pell grants compared to national averages around 35%. This high Pell share indicates that most students come from families earning less than $50,000 annually, making the university's progressive pricing structure particularly important for access.
The $8,952 average financial aid savings reduces costs by 40% from sticker price, demonstrating substantial institutional investment in affordability. The aid system effectively creates different price points based on ability to pay, with lower-income students receiving aid that covers most educational costs while higher-income families pay closer to full price.
This structure enables Winston-Salem State University to maintain broad access while generating revenue necessary for operations. The concentration of aid toward Pell-eligible students aligns with the university's mission as a historically black institution serving diverse economic backgrounds.
