Forensic Science Degree in Fayetteville, NC — Salary & ROI 2026
Forensic Science degree analysis for Fayetteville, NC. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$45K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$61K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
4.9 yrs
in Fayetteville
Cost of Living
90
index (100 = avg)
Forensic Science in Fayetteville, NC Overview
Fayetteville, North Carolina (pop. 208,501) has 15 colleges offering Forensic Science programs. The local cost of living index of 90 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $877/month. Forensic Science enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in DNA Analysis and Toxicology. The adjusted starting salary in Fayetteville is approximately $45,000.
Category
Social Sciences
Local Colleges
15
Public Tuition
$5,925/yr
Private Tuition
$37,000/yr
Room & Board
$10,494/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$14,488/yr
Unemployment
4%
Graduation Rate
46%
Forensic Science Salary in Fayetteville (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Fayetteville's cost of living index of 90 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Forensic Science salary: $50,000 starting, $68,000 mid-career, $82,000 senior level.Fayetteville adjustment factor: 0.90x based on the local cost of living index.
Forensic Science ROI Calculator for Fayetteville
Estimate your return on investment for a Forensic Science degree using local Fayetteville tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $5,925 | Private avg: $37,000
Fayetteville avg aid: $14,488/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$65,676
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$13,500
vs HS diploma in Fayetteville
ROI Payback Period
4.9 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Fayetteville
$294,324
Lifetime earnings premium ($360,000) minus total education cost ($65,676)
Student Loan Payoff for Forensic Science in Fayetteville
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Fayetteville for Forensic Science
Fayetteville State University
public
$5,925/yr
$23,700 total
Methodist University
private
$37,000/yr
$148,000 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Fayetteville Technical Community College
$2,864/yr
Top Employers for Forensic Science in Fayetteville
Fayetteville offers opportunities in Government agencies, Non-profits, Research institutes for Forensic Science graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Fayetteville Hiring Sectors for Social Sciences
Government agencies
Non-profits
Research institutes
Social services
Consulting
Common Forensic Science Job Titles
Forensic Science in Nearby North Carolina Cities
Charlotte, NC
$45K starting · COL 89
39 colleges
Raleigh, NC
$42K starting · COL 83
21 colleges
Greensboro, NC
$46K starting · COL 91
17 colleges
Durham, NC
$55K starting · COL 109
25 colleges
Winston-Salem, NC
$53K starting · COL 106
26 colleges
Cary, NC
$54K starting · COL 108.5
7 colleges
Wilmington, NC
$48K starting · COL 95
5 colleges
High Point, NC
$42K starting · COL 84.5
5 colleges
Other Social Sciences Majors in Fayetteville
International Relations
$45K starting · 5 yr ROI
Political Science
$43K starting · 5.5 yr ROI
Urban Planning
$45K starting · 5 yr ROI
Geography
$45K starting · 5.5 yr ROI
Sustainability Studies
$45K starting · 5.8 yr ROI
Psychology
$40K starting · 6 yr ROI
Criminal Justice
$45K starting · 5 yr ROI
Sociology
$40K starting · 6.5 yr ROI
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate Forensic Science degree outcomes in Fayetteville, NC: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.
- Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Forensic Science programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for North Carolina.
- Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Fayetteville using regional CPI data.
- 10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
- Job market outlook for Forensic Science graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
- Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Forensic Science career projections
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Forensic Science grads
Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release
Financial Aid Resources for Fayetteville Students
Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), North Carolina students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:
Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):
State-specific grants stack with federal aid:
- • USA.gov — North Carolina programs
- • NASFAA — State Aid Programs
- • Search "north carolina higher education commission grants"
Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:
- • College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
- • NCES College Navigator
- • IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center
Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:
2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.
Forensic Science Degree in Fayetteville — FAQ
Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.
Explore More
Compare Forensic Science ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Fayetteville.