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Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem, NC·Public·https://www.wssu.edu/

At a Glance

Winston-Salem State University is a mid-size public university in Winston-Salem, NC. Approximately 4,170 undergraduates are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 78% acceptance rate. Belews Lake is about 13 miles from campus. Winston-Salem State University is a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). CollegeCove's campus safety score is 36/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.

78%
Acceptance Rate
9,108 applications
17
ACT Score (50th %ile)
Range: 15–20
$6,126
2024-25 Tuition
In-state rate
$13,479
Avg Net Price
What students actually pay
$11,484
Room & Board
4,170
Undergraduates
Degree-seeking, all years
13%
Yield Rate
Admitted students who enrolled
47%
Graduation Rate
Within 150% of normal time
Selectivity78% · Open
Highly SelectiveOpen

SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)

SAT Evidence-Based Reading

430480520

SAT Math

400450500

Location

Winston-Salem, NC

Campus Identity

HBCUGreek LifePhD Programs

Winston-Salem State University is a mid-size public university in Winston-Salem, NC. Approximately 4,170 undergraduates are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 78% acceptance rate. Belews Lake is about 13 miles from campus. Winston-Salem State University is a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). CollegeCove's campus safety score is 36/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.

Campus Lifestyle

Winston-Salem State University is a 1,000–4,999, urban school with a moderate greek life Greek scene. The campus is 180 miles from Crescent Beach, SC and 81 miles from Appalachian Ski Mtn..

School Size & Setting

1,000–4,999

Urban setting

Beach Access

180 miles

Crescent Beach, SC

Ski Access

81 miles

Appalachian Ski Mtn.

Weather

Warm Climate

54°F avg school-year

Greek Life at Winston-Salem State University

At Winston-Salem State University, 5% of men are in a fraternity and 5% of women are in a sorority. That is a modest Greek presence. Chapters are active, but most students are not affiliated. Figures come from the institution’s reported Greek system data. Recruitment timing and chapter counts vary year to year, so check the student life office for the current season.

5%

Men in fraternities

5%

Women in sororities

Moderate Greek Life

Greek life scale

Nearby Ski Resorts

Winston-Salem State University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Appalachian Ski Mtn., 81 miles away with 6 lifts and 27 skiable acres. All are within 92 miles of campus.

Appalachian Ski Mtn.

North Carolina

81 mi away
27 skiable acres6 lifts
Hawksnest Snow Tubing

North Carolina

89 mi away
Sugar Mountain Resort

North Carolina

92 mi away
125 skiable acres8 lifts

Nearest Beach

Students at Winston-Salem State University are 180 miles from Crescent Beach, SC.

Crescent Beach, SC

Ocean access within 179.8 miles

180 mi away

Nearby Lake

Belews Lake is 13 miles from campus, giving Winston-Salem State University students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.

Belews Lake

Lake access within 12.8 miles

13 mi away

Average Monthly Temperature

1991–2020 Climate Normals · Winston-Salem, NC

Winston-Salem has a mild climate, with winters averaging 40°F in Jan and summers peaking around 79°F in Jul.

40°Jan43°Feb50°Mar59°Apr68°May75°Jun79°Jul77°Aug71°Sep60°Oct50°Nov43°Dec

Station: WINSTON SALEM REYNOLDS Airport · Source: NOAA NCEI

On Campus Safety Score

2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students

Winston-Salem State University in NC earns a composite safety score of 36/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.

36/100
Less Safe
PersonalSafetyPropertySafetyParty SceneSafety304338
30/100
Personal
assault, rape, stalking, dating and domestic violence
43/100
Property
burglary, vehicle theft, arson
38/100
Party Scene
drug, alcohol & weapons enforcement

On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.

Cost Breakdown

2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.

Tuition
$6,126$16,782
Fees
$2,846$2,846
Room & Board
$11,484$11,484
Total
$20,456$31,112
In-StateOut-of-State
App Fee: $50
$13,479avg net price / year

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.

Calculate your personalized net price

Fields of Study

48 programs offered

Most Popular Programs

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBachelor's
158 grads/yr$84,952
Health and Medical Administrative ServicesBachelor's
82 grads/yr$45,182
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/FitnessBachelor's
76 grads/yr$43,313
Psychology, GeneralBachelor's
65 grads/yr$40,797
Business Administration, Management and OperationsBachelor's
64 grads/yr$43,292

Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Master's20 grads$119,602
Computer Science
Bachelor's6 grads$94,298
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Bachelor's158 grads$84,952
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Doctoral$79,144
Health and Medical Administrative Services
Master's30 grads$76,347
Accounting and Related Services
Bachelor's7 grads$70,941
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
Bachelor's54 grads$70,450
Computer and Information Sciences, General
Bachelor's12 grads$63,562
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Master's45 grads$58,006
Social Work
Bachelor's47 grads$53,028

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Winston-Salem State University located?

Winston-Salem State University is located in Winston-Salem, NC. The main campus address is 601 S. Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Winston-Salem, NC. It is a public institution offering 4-year degree programs.

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

Winston-Salem State University has an acceptance rate of 78%, making it accessible. Out of 9,108 applicants, 7,128 were admitted in the most recent year. 4,170 enrolled.

How many students attend Winston-Salem State University?

Winston-Salem State University enrolls 4,170 undergraduates. That figure counts degree-seeking undergraduate students across all years, not just the incoming class, and it excludes graduate students. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

What ACT score do you need for Winston-Salem State University?

The middle 50% of enrolled students at Winston-Salem State University scored between 15 and 20 on the ACT, with a median of 17. About 11% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.

How much does it cost to attend Winston-Salem State University?

For the 2024-25 academic year, Winston-Salem State University charges $6,126/year for in-state students and $16,782/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board ($11,484/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $16,903/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $13,479/year — what students actually pay. Use Winston-Salem State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

What is the application fee for Winston-Salem State University?

The undergraduate application fee at Winston-Salem State University is $50. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.

Is Winston-Salem State University an HBCU?

Yes, Winston-Salem State University is a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). HBCUs were established primarily to serve Black Americans and have a rich history of academic excellence, cultural significance, and community impact. Winston-Salem State University remains an important institution for higher education and Black culture.

What percentage of students at Winston-Salem State University are in Greek life?

At Winston-Salem State University, 5% of men are in a fraternity and 5% of women are in a sorority. That is a modest Greek presence. Chapters exist and are active, but most students are not affiliated. Figures come from the institution's reported Greek system data. Recruitment timing and chapter counts vary year to year, so check the school's student life office for the current season.

Is Winston-Salem State University the right fit for me?

Whether Winston-Salem State University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (78% admit rate), avg net price ($13,479/year after aid), campus culture in Winston-Salem, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Winston-Salem State University against similar schools side-by-side.

Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Winston-Salem State University directly for the most current information.

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Start your application at the official website.

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Quick Facts

Type
Public
Location
Winston-Salem, NC
Size
1,000–4,999
Degrees Offered
Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral
HBCU
Yes
School Year Weather
Warm · 54°F avg
App Fee
$50
On Campus Safety Score
36/100
Nearest Airport
Winston Salem, NC (INT) · 3 mialso GSO (16 mi), USA (56 mi)
Data Sources: Admissions, cost, and enrollment data sourced from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) (NCES, 2024 survey year). Fields of Study data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. On Campus Safety Score computed from Clery Act data (U.S. Dept. of Education, 3-year average normalized per 1,000 students). Data may not reflect most recent changes. Always verify with the institution directly.