College Costs in Winston-Salem, NC 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 26 colleges in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$6,432
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$60,894
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,023
per month
Colleges & Universities
26
institutions
Winston-Salem Overview
Population
249,545
Student Population
19,225 (7.7%)
Cost of Living Index
106 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
67/100
Transit Score
26/100
Unemployment Rate
6.6%
College Cost Calculator for Winston-Salem
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$71,672
Total After Financial Aid
$71,672
Annual Cost
$17,918
Annual After Aid
$17,918
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $71,672 |
| Monthly Payment | $814 |
| Total Interest | $25,987 |
| Total Loan Cost | $97,659 |
Universities in Winston-Salem
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Wake Forest University | Private | $60,894 |
| Winston-Salem State University | Public | $6,432 |
| Forsyth Technical Community College | Community | $2,864 |
Winston-Salem has 26 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Winston-Salem vs. National Average
| Category | Winston-Salem | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $6,432 | $10,940 | -$4,508 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,023 | $1,050 | -$27 |
| Cost of Living Index | 106 | 100 | +6 |
Winston-Salem's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Winston-Salem
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
19,225 students
Winston-Salem has a total population of 249,545, with approximately 19,225 college students (7.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Winston-Salem offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Winston-Salem
$48,559
Starting Salary
6.6%
Unemployment Rate
70%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Winston-Salem earn a median starting salary of $48,559, which is $13,559 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $71,672 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $16,995 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in North Carolina
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39 colleges · Avg tuition $7,092
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21 colleges · Avg tuition $9,101
Greensboro
17 colleges · Avg tuition $7,000
Durham
25 colleges · Avg tuition $6,477
Fayetteville
15 colleges · Avg tuition $5,925
Wilmington
5 colleges · Avg tuition $7,287
Asheville
4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,361
Chapel Hill
5 colleges · Avg tuition $8,998
Boone
3 colleges · Avg tuition $7,657
Cullowhee
4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,428
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