Winston-Salem State University
About Winston-Salem State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Winston-Salem State University is a public historically Black university in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It offers programs in nursing, business, education, and the sciences and is part of the UNC system.
Founded
1892
Location
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Students
4,760
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
78.3%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
46.7%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$6,126
Out-of-state: $16,782
Avg Net Price
$13,479
After financial aid
SAT Average
945
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$45,344
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$50
Early
N/A
Deadline
Jun 30
Winston-Salem State University accepts the majority of applicants at 78.3%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
945/ 1600
ACT Scores
17/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
46.7% complete their degree within six years
Retention
77.3%
4-Year Grad
28%
6-Year Grad
46%
Teaching Quality
15:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
67.1%
$/Student
$11.4K
Class Size
Medium
The 28% graduation rate is below average, but 77.3% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$6,126
In-State
$16,782
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$11,484
Books & Supplies
$1,690
Total Cost of Attendance
$23,147
After Financial Aid
$13,479
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$11,463
Receive Grants
64.9%
Take Loans
67.9%
The full cost of attendance is about $23,147/yr for in-state students, including $11,484 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $13,479. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $16,782.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Winston-Salem State University fund their education.
While in School
64.9%
Get Grants
Free money
67.9%
Take Loans
Must repay
$28,551
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$25,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$265/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $25,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $45K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Winston-Salem State University.
Gender
73.6%
Female
26%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
4,170
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
590
Graduates
35.4%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
12.7%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 74% of the student body. 35.4% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
4,170
Students
public
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Doctoral
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
No
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Winston-Salem State University fields 9 varsity teams with 262 student athletes, about 6% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II with football
Conference
Central
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
262
6% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
55% / 45%
145
Men
117
Women
4
Men's Teams
7
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Winston-Salem State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$45,344
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$73K
158 grads
1yr Earnings
Health and Medical Administrative Services
$31K
82 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$26K
76 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$26K
65 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$33K
64 grads
1yr Earnings
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
$60K
54 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $41K six years out, growing to $45K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Winston-Salem State University
What is the acceptance rate at Winston-Salem State University?▾
How much does Winston-Salem State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Winston-Salem State University?▾
How much do Winston-Salem State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.