Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem State's liberal arts program faces an unusual challenge: graduates actually earn less four years out than they do immediately after graduation. Starting at $35,414, earnings drop to $32,477 by year four—a trajectory that runs counter to typical career progression and raises questions about the durability of early opportunities.

The program does rank in the 60th percentile among North Carolina liberal arts programs, which sounds respectable until you see what the state's top performers deliver. UNC Chapel Hill graduates earn $37,709, while NC State graduates reach $41,661—both showing the expected upward trajectory. With $28,524 in median debt (just below the state median), Winston-Salem State graduates face monthly loan payments around $320 while their earning power actually contracts during the critical early career years when they should be building financial momentum.

For families drawn to Winston-Salem State's accessibility—69% admission rate, strong support for Pell Grant recipients—this program requires careful consideration. The debt load itself is manageable, but the negative earnings growth suggests graduates may struggle to find positions that leverage their degree for advancement. If your student is considering this path, they should have a specific career plan that explains how they'll buck the trend, or consider whether a more focused major at Winston-Salem State might offer better financial prospects.