Winston-Salem State University achieves below average return performance, ranking at the 38.2nd percentile nationally with modestly below average tier designation. However, the university generates $5,989 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it in the 77th percentile for value-added performance and achieving well above average tier status on this key measure. This contrast illustrates the difference between absolute earnings levels and performance relative to student demographics and institutional characteristics. Graduates earn $45,344 ten years after enrollment, falling $4,772 below the peer median of $50,116 but performing well given the university's high-access mission. Median debt of $25,000 exceeds the peer median by $3,895, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55 that remains within manageable ranges. The return profile reflects Winston-Salem State University's role as an access-oriented institution that delivers value through uplift rather than absolute earnings levels. Students should view the return proposition through the lens of mobility and opportunity rather than direct comparison with more selective institutions.
Winston-Salem State University graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth over time, with median earnings rising from $40,557 six years after enrollment to $43,867 at eight years and $45,344 at ten years, representing 11.8% growth from the six-year mark. These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 1,796 graduates, providing high confidence in reported figures. The institution generates $5,989 in earnings beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Winston-Salem State University in the 77th percentile for earnings uplift and achieving well above average tier performance. Low-income graduates earn $34,200, reflecting the institution's focus on serving economically diverse student populations. Earnings span from $29,750 at the 25th percentile to $66,577 at the 75th percentile, representing a 2.2:1 ratio that reflects differences in program choice and career trajectory. Approximately 34.8% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education pathways.
Latest FE earnings field: 10-year
Lower quartile, 10-year field
Earnings outcomes at Winston-Salem State University show meaningful variation across programs, with the gap between the 25th percentile ($29,750) and 75th percentile ($66,577) demonstrating diverse career paths within the graduate population. Adult Health Nursing leads earnings outcomes at $73,285, followed by Blood Bank Technology Specialist at $59,239 and Forensic Social Work at $45,182. Lower-earning programs include General Studies at $32,477 and Communication and Media Studies at $28,054, reflecting typical liberal arts career starting points. The earnings trajectory shows steady but moderate growth, increasing by 11.8% between the six-year and ten-year measurement points. With nearly 1,800 graduates included in the ten-year earnings cohort, these figures represent outcomes across Winston-Salem State University's full range of academic programs rather than isolated high-earning tracks.
Financial justification for the investment.
The earnings distribution at Winston-Salem State University demonstrates meaningful variation in graduate outcomes, with the range from $29,750 at the 25th percentile to $66,577 at the 75th percentile representing a 2.2:1 ratio. This spread indicates that program choice and career path significantly influence long-term earning potential, with health science graduates achieving substantially higher outcomes than liberal arts graduates. Low-income graduates earn $34,200, reflecting the university's commitment to serving economically disadvantaged populations while generating measurable economic mobility. The distribution suggests that Winston-Salem State University creates pathways for varied career outcomes while maintaining particular effectiveness in serving students from lower-income backgrounds.
Approximately 34.8% of Winston-Salem State University graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both immediate workforce entry and advanced education pathways. This medium-confidence estimate suggests that roughly one-third of graduates pursue additional credentials, likely concentrated in programs like biology and psychology that serve as preparation for professional schools.
Program mix and student pathways explain much of the earnings story.
Winston-Salem State University's strongest earning programs cluster in health sciences, where Adult Health Nursing leads with $73,285 median earnings followed by Blood Bank Technology Specialist at $59,239. These health science programs consistently outperform the institutional median and achieve competitive national rankings, demonstrating the university's particular effectiveness in professional health education. Forensic Social Work provides a notable outlier in the social sciences with $45,182 earnings, nearly matching the institutional median. Lower-earning programs including General Studies at $32,477 and Communication and Media Studies at $28,054 reflect career patterns in education and media fields that prioritize service over high compensation. The program diversity enables different career pathways while health sciences drive the university's strongest return outcomes. Students seeking earnings optimization should focus on health science programs where Winston-Salem State University demonstrates clear competitive advantages and regional workforce alignment.
See which programs drive the strongest earnings and career trajectories
Upper quartile, 10-year field
The earnings distribution at Winston-Salem State University demonstrates meaningful variation in graduate outcomes, with the range from $29,750 at the 25th percentile to $66,577 at the 75th percentile representing a 2.2:1 ratio. This spread indicates that program choice and career path significantly influence long-term earning potential, with health science graduates achieving substantially higher outcomes than liberal arts graduates. Low-income graduates earn $34,200, reflecting the university's commitment to serving economically disadvantaged populations while generating measurable economic mobility. The distribution suggests that Winston-Salem State University creates pathways for varied career outcomes while maintaining particular effectiveness in serving students from lower-income backgrounds.
