Winston-Salem State University: 73.4% Acceptance Rate

73.4%Acceptance

$6,735Tuition

4,244Students

49%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$45,344Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24HBCU

About Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem State University is one of North Carolina's top historically Black universities, building futures in nursing, education, and healthcare professions. The 4,244-student campus has produced notable graduates like NBA Hall of Fame player Earl Monroe and legendary basketball coach Sylvia Hatchell. This institution transforms students into teachers, nurses, and community leaders across the large city of Winston-Salem.

The financial picture tells a story of accessible education with solid returns. Students typically pay a net price of $13,393 after financial aid, while graduates earn a median of $45,344 ten years later. With median debt of $25,000 and monthly loan payments around $265, the investment generally pays off for those who complete their degrees. Over 61% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving working-class families.

The student body is predominantly female at 74.53% and overwhelmingly in-state at 82.52%, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. With 213 student-athletes competing in 11 Division II sports through the CIAA conference, school spirit runs deep. The 48.60% six-year graduation rate shows room for improvement, but the 96.3% employment rate demonstrates that graduates find work in their fields.

Academics & Faculty

Winston-Salem State University built its academic reputation on training teachers and healthcare professionals. The historically Black university excels in nursing and education programs that have produced generations of educators across North Carolina. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, professors can provide personal attention to help students navigate challenging coursework. The university's 49% four-year graduation rate reflects the academic rigor students face, particularly in health science programs that require clinical rotations and state licensing exams. Students benefit from strong mentorship traditions rooted in HBCU culture. The nursing program maintains high NCLEX pass rates, while education graduates often return to teach in their home communities throughout the state.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 65.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 49.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 48.6%
Retention Rate: 74.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $45,344
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$88,195
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.	Doctoral	$73,446
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$62,067
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.	Master	$59,837
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions.	Bachelor	$47,930
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$42,682
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$40,647
Finance and Financial Management Services.	Bachelor	$35,420
Political Science and Government.	Bachelor	$32,391
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Bachelor	$32,094

View all 54 programs →

Campus Life

Winston-Salem provides an ideal college town setting in the heart of North Carolina's Piedmont region. The city sits about 90 minutes from Charlotte and two hours from Raleigh, giving students access to major metropolitan areas without the big-city price tag. You'll need both winter coats for January lows in the 30s and plenty of sunscreen for humid summers that climb into the 80s.

With housing capacity for 2,705 students and total enrollment of 4,244, about 64% of students can live on campus in the residence halls that form the heart of campus social life. The 74.53% female student body creates a supportive atmosphere, especially in the university's signature nursing and education programs. Weekends often center around Rams athletics, with 213 student-athletes competing in 11 Division II sports. The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association games draw passionate crowds, particularly for basketball rivalries with North Carolina A&T. Greek life, campus organizations, and Winston-Salem's growing arts district provide additional entertainment options. The university's motto "Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve" reflects the community service emphasis that shapes campus culture.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 2,705 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1867

Campus Safety (2023)

121 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Dating Violence	38	33	0	2
Burglary	8	5	2	0
Rape	3	2	3	0
Aggravated Assault	6	1	0	0
Stalking	5	1	0	0
Fondling	3	2	0	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	4	0	0	0
Domestic Violence	2	0	0	0
Robbery	0	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 30°–48°F
July Avg: 69°–88°F
Annual Precipitation: 43.2"
Annual Snowfall: 6.2"

Student Demographics

Students at this historically Black university come primarily from North Carolina, with 83% from in-state reflecting deep roots in the local community. Women make up three-quarters of the student body, drawn largely by strong nursing and education programs that have defined the university since 1867. The student population of 4,244 is overwhelmingly Black, continuing the school's mission to serve African American students. Most students receive Pell Grants, showing the university's commitment to providing affordable education for first-generation college students and working families.

Men: 25.5%
Women: 74.5%
White: 5.4%
Black: 83.1%
Hispanic: 4.8%
Asian: 0.7%
In-State Students: 82.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 61.5%

Location

Winston-Salem sits in the foothills of North Carolina, about 100 miles northwest of Charlotte and 25 miles west of Greensboro. The city blends tobacco industry heritage with modern healthcare and banking sectors. Students experience a mid-sized urban environment with around 250,000 residents in the metro area. Winston-Salem State's campus sits in the heart of the city, giving students access to internships at major employers like Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and Reynolda House Museum. The Piedmont region offers rolling hills and moderate seasons. With 82.52% of students coming from in-state, the campus maintains strong North Carolina connections. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Winston-Salem State with similar schools in the region.

Address: Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27110-0001

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $45,344
Median Earnings (5 years): $55,548
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $31,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 33.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $265/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $25,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Winston-Salem State University?

Winston-Salem State University accepts 73.39% of applicants with an average SAT score of 940. As a historically Black university founded in 1867, WSSU maintains accessible admissions while serving primarily African American students who make up 83.08% of the student body.

How much does Winston-Salem State University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Winston-Salem State University is $13,393 annually. With 61.49% of students receiving financial aid and many qualifying for Pell Grants, the university keeps costs manageable for families earning under $30,000 who pay just $11,012 after aid.

What academic programs is Winston-Salem State University known for?

Winston-Salem State University has built a strong reputation for nursing, education, and teacher preparation programs. The university maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs and has historically produced many healthcare professionals and educators who serve their communities.

What are the career outcomes for Winston-Salem State University graduates?

Winston-Salem State University graduates earn a median salary of $45,344 ten years after graduation with a 96.3% employment rate. While the six-year graduation rate is 48.60%, graduates typically carry $25,000 in debt with monthly loan payments of $265.

Where do students live at Winston-Salem State University?

Winston-Salem State University houses students in on-campus facilities with a capacity of 2,705 students. Room and board costs $11,484 annually, and the campus serves 4,244 total students in the large city setting of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Is Winston-Salem State University a historically Black university?

Yes, Winston-Salem State University is a historically Black university founded in 1867 with the motto "Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve." The student body is 74.53% female and includes notable alumni like NBA Hall of Famer Earl Monroe and basketball coaching legend Sylvia Hatchell.