Analysis
A mathematics bachelor's degree often opens doors to well-paying careers, but Winston-Salem State's estimated outcomes suggest a more modest trajectory. With first-year earnings around $40,888—drawn from comparable North Carolina programs—graduates here appear to land near the middle of the state's mathematics market, well below the national median of $48,772. That's roughly $7,900 less annually than typical math majors earn nationwide, a gap that compounds over time.
The estimated $23,201 in debt yields a manageable 0.57 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe about seven months of their first-year salary. That's reasonable compared to many fields, though the absolute earning power lags behind peer institutions. Duke's mathematics graduates earn nearly triple at $121,088, while even UNC Charlotte averages $42,740—both with actual reported data. Winston-Salem State serves a predominantly Pell-eligible population (61%), and while that mission matters, families need to weigh whether this investment delivers sufficient returns when other state schools produce notably higher outcomes.
Given these are estimates rather than Winston-Salem State's actual graduate performance, prospective students should directly ask the mathematics department about employment outcomes, graduate school placement, and connections to employers. The fundamentals—debt near $23,000, earnings around $41,000—suggest viability if your student lands a typical mathematics-related role, but there's limited upside apparent in these peer-derived figures.
Where Winston-Salem State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (44 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,735 | $40,888* | — | $23,201* | — | |
| $65,805 | $121,088* | $99,927 | $13,000* | 0.11 | |
| $8,989 | $53,402* | $87,301 | $14,500* | 0.27 | |
| $8,895 | $43,585* | — | $21,256* | 0.49 | |
| $7,214 | $42,740* | $57,150 | $25,000* | 0.58 | |
| $7,361 | $40,888* | $50,943 | $21,500* | 0.53 | |
| National Median | — | $48,772* | — | $21,500* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Winston-Salem State University, approximately 61% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 9 similar programs in NC. Actual outcomes may vary.