Winston-Salem State University ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$26,940
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$5,557/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
4.8 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
313%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Winston-Salem State University's in-state tuition costs $6,735. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $41,957. Five years after graduation, earnings are $40,557, and ten years after graduation, earnings are $45,344. The median debt for students is $25,000, and 62.3% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio can be calculated by dividing the median debt by the median annual earnings. Using the one-year earnings data, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.6. Using the five-year earnings data, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.62. Using the ten-year earnings data, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.55.
To calculate the break-even timeline, divide the median debt by the difference between the one-year earnings and the tuition cost. The break-even point is approximately 0.7 years.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$6,735
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$40,557
Graduation Rate
49%
Receive Financial Aid
62%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $108,039 | 5322% |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $42,216 | 436% |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions | $76,150 | 2955% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $35,607 | -55% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $39,567 | 239% |
| Biology, General | $35,669 | -50% |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | $59,239 | 1699% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $32,477 | N/A |
| Psychology, General | $35,121 | -91% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $35,174 | -87% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $38,722 | 176% |
| Communication and Media Studies | $28,054 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
313%
20yr ROI
208%
20yr ROI
-30%
20yr ROI
218%
20yr ROI
253%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.