Winston-Salem State University vs Alamance Community College: 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 $34,241 at Alamance Community College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Winston-Salem State University | Alamance Community College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $13,479 | $6,109 |
| Total net cost | $53,916 | $24,436 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $45,344 | $34,241 |
| Median debt | $25,000 | — |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$114,236 | -$306,816 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Winston-Salem State University or Alamance Community College?
Alamance Community College, at $6,109 a year after aid versus $13,479 — a gap of $7,370 a year, or $29,480 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Winston-Salem State University or Alamance Community College graduates earn more?
Winston-Salem State University graduates report a median $45,344 ten years after entry, $11,103 more than the $34,241 at Alamance 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 graduates more of its students?
47% of students finish at Winston-Salem State University, against 39% at Alamance 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.