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Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem, NC·Public·4,244 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for families looking for lower cost and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. 61% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

69%
Accept
4,244
Students
$13,393
Net Price
49%
Grad Rate
$37,200
Earnings
10 yr
$18,447
Debt

About This School

Winston-Salem State University is a public institution located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina with approximately 4,244 undergraduate students enrolled. Winston-Salem State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 69%. The average net price after financial aid is $13,393 per year. The graduation rate is 49%, and the typical graduate earns $37,200 within 10 years of enrollment.

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) is a public historically black university in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States. It is part of the University of North Carolina system.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at just $13,393/year after aid, this is one of the more affordable HBCU options in the Southeast, and the relatively low median debt of $18,447 at graduation keeps financial risk manageable. However, the 49% graduation rate is a real concern — only about half of students who start here finish, which means you should seriously ask what support systems you'll need to be in that half. Median earnings of $37,200 a decade out are modest, so this school makes the most sense if you're drawn to specific strong programs like nursing or have a clear plan to finish on time.

Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Health Professions37%
Business & Marketing8%
Psychology7%
Education5%
Biological Sciences5%
Social Sciences5%
Communications5%
Computer Science2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite946
Reading 75th %ile530
Math 75th %ile520

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite17

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$6,735
Out-of-State Tuition
$17,391
Avg Net Price
$13,393
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants61%
Median debt at graduation$18,447

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
49%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
75%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$37,200
after enrollment
Median Debt
$18,447
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$18,447
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$31,600
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$37,200
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.0x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White5%
Black83%
Hispanic/Latino5%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (4,244 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Winston-Salem State University

601 S. Martin Luther King Jr Dr

Winston-Salem, NC 27110-0001

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in North Carolina

Browse all North Carolina schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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