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) | $23,147 |
| Tuition and Fees | $16,782 |
| Room and Board | $11,484 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,690 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$9,668 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $13,479 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $11,463 |
| $30–48k | $12,412 |
| $48–75k | $14,681 |
| $75–110k | $18,813 |
| $110k+ | $21,405 |
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 well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
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.
