Forsyth Technical Community College vs Winston-Salem State University: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Winston-Salem State University comes closer — median earnings $45,344 against a $53,916 total, vs $34,139 at Forsyth Technical Community College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Forsyth Technical Community College | Winston-Salem State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $7,200 | $13,479 |
| Total net cost | $14,400 | $53,916 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $34,139 | $45,344 |
| Median debt | $10,000 | $25,000 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$298,820 | -$114,236 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Forsyth Technical Community College or Winston-Salem State University?
Forsyth Technical Community College, at $7,200 a year after aid versus $13,479 — a gap of $6,279 a year, or $39,516 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Forsyth Technical Community College or Winston-Salem State University graduates earn more?
Winston-Salem State University graduates report a median $45,344 ten years after entry, $11,205 more than the $34,139 at Forsyth Technical Community College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Forsyth Technical Community College or Winston-Salem State University?
Forsyth Technical Community College: its completers carry a median $10,000 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Winston-Salem State University, a difference of $15,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
47% of students finish at Winston-Salem State University, against 34% at Forsyth Technical Community College. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.