Public Institution

Winston-Salem State University — Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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Annual Tuition $6,735

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 68.6%

Moderately Open

Enrollment 4,244

Active Students

Avg. Salary $45,344

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Institution type Public

Accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Winston-Salem State University stands as a pillar of higher education in Winston-Salem, providing a robust academic foundation for 4,244 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Winston-Salem State University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Winston-Salem State University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Health Professions

36.8%

Enrollment Share

Parks & Recreation

8.3%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing

7.6%

Enrollment Share

Psychology

7.1%

Enrollment Share

Humanities

5.8%

Enrollment Share

Public Admin

5.1%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Parks & Recreation College

The Parks & Recreation program at Winston-Salem State University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Humanities College

Empowering students with critical thinking and cultural literacy...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Public Admin College

The Public Admin program at Winston-Salem State University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

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

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 68.6%

Difficulty Low

Winston-Salem State University maintains an acceptance rate of 68.6%, reflecting its status as a moderately open institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 25.5%

Women Enrollment 74.5%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT

ACT

SAT Reading 420 - 530

SAT Mathematics 400 - 520

ACT English 12 - 17

ACT Mathematics 15 - 18

Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Winston-Salem State University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $6,735

Out-of-State Tuition $17,391

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 61.5%

Median Student Debt $25,000

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $6,735, graduates see a median starting salary of $45,344, making it one of the most affordable pathways in North Carolina.

What salary can Winston-Salem State University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $45,344

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 48.6%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $13,393

Median Salary (6yr) $40,557

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Winston-Salem State University in Winston-Salem?

4,244 Students

Gender Comparison

25.5% Men

74.5% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

74.8%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.4%

Pacific Islander

0.1%

Asian

0.7%

Black

83.1%

White

5.4%

Unknown

1.2%

Hispanic

4.8%

Two or More Races

3.8%

International

0.5%

Campus Demographics

🎂

Avg. Age at Entry 22

🎓

First-Generation 35.4%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 79.1%

💍

Married Students 6.6%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$54,716
Average Family Income	$37,430
Median Family Income	$28,551

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

45.2%

54.8%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Winston-Salem Campus Environment

Located at 601 S. Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Winston-Salem State University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of North Carolina. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does Winston-Salem State University compare?

Direct Comparison Winston-Salem State University vs Forsyth Technical CC →

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Direct Comparison Winston-Salem State University vs Winston Salem Barber School →

Common Questions about Winston-Salem State University

Is Winston-Salem State University a good college in Winston-Salem, North Carolina?

Winston-Salem State University is a recognized institution in Winston-Salem with an enrollment of 4,244 students. It is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and offers a robust ROI for students in North Carolina based on Department of Education data.

Is Winston-Salem State University worth attending in 2026?

Yes, Winston-Salem State University offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $45,344. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.

How much does Winston-Salem State University cost for North Carolina residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Winston-Salem State University is approximately $6,735. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $17,391. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of Winston-Salem State University after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending Winston-Salem State University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 79.1% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is Winston-Salem State University good for Health Professions and Parks & Recreation programs?

Winston-Salem State University is highly regarded for its Health Professions and Parks & Recreation programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.

What career can I get after attending Winston-Salem State University?

Graduates of Winston-Salem State University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Health Professions. With a median salary of $45,344, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for Winston-Salem State University?

Winston-Salem State University operates with a Moderately Open policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.

Does Winston-Salem State University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

No, Winston-Salem State University follows a test-optional approach for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.

What salary can Winston-Salem State University graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of Winston-Salem State University earn a median salary of $45,344 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is Winston-Salem State University a good investment compared to other NC colleges?

Winston-Salem State University stands out as a high-value investment in North Carolina. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.

Where is Winston-Salem State University located and what is the campus like?

Winston-Salem State University is located at 601 S. Martin Luther King Jr Dr in Winston-Salem, NC. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 4,244 learners.

Who typically attends Winston-Salem State University in Winston-Salem, NC?

The student body at Winston-Salem State University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 35.4% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: North Carolina

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Winston-Salem State University with other leading institutions in North Carolina across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

Nursing

Business Administration