Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem State University has an acceptance rate of 78.3%, annual tuition of $6,126, average net price of $13,479, and a national rank of #426 (Grade B+), with a 46.7% graduation rate within 150% of normal time, about 4,170 undergraduates, and median earnings of $56,396 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Winston-Salem State University is a public university in Winston-Salem, NC. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Computer and Information Sciences.
Academically, students benefit from a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, and 77.2% first-year retention. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 88.8%, roughly 38.9 points higher than typical outcomes. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Winston-Salem State University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Winston-Salem State University graduates 46.7% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 56.6% and keeps 77.2% of first-year students. Affordability earns an A compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Winston-Salem State University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $6,126 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,690 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $11,484 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,492 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $23,147 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 64.9% of Winston-Salem State University students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $11,463 to $21,405 depending on family income. Use Winston-Salem State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $18,813/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $21,405/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $56,396
- 10-Year Median Earnings $45,344
- Average Years to Graduate 4.7 years
- Average Student Debt $25,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 33.9%
- Employment Rate 87.8%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Winston-Salem State University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Winston-Salem State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Winston-Salem State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Winston-Salem State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: Winston-Salem State University graduates earn $56,396 median four years after graduation, -7% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 430-520
- SAT Math 400-500
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 15-20
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 4,170
- Full-Time Students 90.1%
- Part-Time Students 9.9%
- Retention Rate 77.2%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 46.7%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 56.6%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 15:1
How to Get Into Winston-Salem State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Winston-Salem State University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 78.3%, Winston-Salem State University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 78.3% acceptance rate, Winston-Salem State University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 830 and 1020 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Winston-Salem State University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes, and Health and Medical Administrative Services draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 26.0%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 9.4%
- Health and Medical Administrative Services 8.7%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 6.1%
- Biology, General 5.7%
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions 5.4%
See more majors
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 4.7%
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and A 4.7%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $89,276
- 2. Computer and Information Sciences, General $62,915
- 3. Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions $60,442
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Computer Science $58,212
- 5. Political Science and Government $56,570
- 6. Accounting and Related Services $53,840
- 7. Biology, General $46,686
- 8. Business Administration, Management and Operations $46,119
- 9. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $45,607
- 10. Health and Medical Administrative Services $45,411
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $118,073
- 2. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree) $90,654
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $68,899
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degree) $66,872
- 5. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $51,972
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $89,276—97% more than Health and Medical Administrative Services ($45,411). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $118,073 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Winston-Salem State University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 97 graduates)
- Health and Medical Administrative Services (Bachelor's Degree, 90 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 63 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 59 graduates)
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Bachelor's Degree, 56 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (29 programs)▼
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Biology, General
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Psychology, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Communication and Media Studies
- Social Work
- Political Science and Government
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Computer Science
- Accounting and Related Services
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Economics
- Sociology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
- Mathematics
- Information Science/Studies
- Chemistry
- History
- Music
- Gerontology
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Online Master's Degrees (4 programs)▼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (4 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 4,170
- Full-Time Students 90.1%
- Part-Time Students 9.9%
- Male Students 26.4%
- Female Students 73.6%
- Caucasian 4.9%
- Asian 0.6%
- Hispanic 4.8%
- Black 83.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 64.9%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Winston-Salem State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Winston-Salem State University's undergraduate population. Women make up 73.6% of the student body, while men represent 26.4%.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Winston-Salem State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Winston-Salem State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Winston-Salem State University has a diverse student body, with 4.9% identifying as White. Women make up 73.6% of undergraduates. 64.9% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Winston-Salem State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Winston-Salem State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Winston-Salem State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #426 nationally with a 88.8% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $13,479 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $56,396 median earnings. The 46.7% graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 77.2% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Winston-Salem State University's Strengths
Ranked #426 with a B+ grade, Winston-Salem State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Winston-Salem State University excel at providing affordable education ($13,479 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Winston-Salem State University's 77.2% retention and 46.7% graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($56,396 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Winston-Salem State University's 88.8% ROI and $13,479 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 46.7% graduation rate sits 15.8 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 77.2% first-year retention is 0.5 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 88.8% return on investment is 38.9 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $56,396 run about 7% lower than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $13,479 is roughly $6,600 lower than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 15:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 77.2% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 87.8% employment rate within three years sits 19.6 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Winston-Salem State University—a public university in Winston-Salem, NC—at B+ overall. It stands at #426 among 1962 schools Category results include Completion (B-), Support (B), Career Outcomes (B), and Affordability (A).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
77.2% of learners come back after year one while 46.7% graduate within 150% of normal time (56.6% within eight years). The reported ROI is 88.8%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $13,479 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $23,147.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $9,668 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $25,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 64.9% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $56,396 four years after graduation. Compared with the national median, that's 7% lower.
Roughly 87.8% of graduates are employed three years out.
EDsmart lists the ROI at 88.8%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
78.3% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Winston-Salem State University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Winston-Salem State University's acceptance rate?
Winston-Salem State University's acceptance rate is 78.3%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Winston-Salem State University cost?
At Winston-Salem State University, listed tuition and fees are $6,126 per year, and the average net price after aid is $13,479. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Winston-Salem State University's ranking?
Winston-Salem State University ranks #426 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Winston-Salem State University's graduation rate?
At Winston-Salem State University, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 46.7% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 56.6%, and first-year retention is 77.2%.
What are Winston-Salem State University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Winston-Salem State University report median earnings of $56,396 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Winston-Salem State University's student population?
Winston-Salem State University enrolls about 4,170 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Winston-Salem, NC 27110-0001
- Website www.wssu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$48.8M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate28.4%