UnisHub University Compass

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

0 · 0 reviews

About Winston-Salem State University

A proud historically Black university, Winston-Salem State is known for hands-on learning that ties classwork to real needs. Students explore the arts and sciences, business, education, and health fields with faculty who actually know their names. Modern labs, collaborative classrooms, the library, and a busy wellness and student-success hub with advising, tutoring, and career coaching keep support close by.

Campus life hums with a high-energy band, step shows, and homecoming that feels like a reunion, plus clubs, intramurals, and greenway runs when you need a breather. The culture is welcoming and purpose driven, with service threaded into the week. Career prep shows up in internships, clinical and research experiences, and alumni mentors connected to regional employers. And the city's arts districts, health care hubs, and startups make off-campus opportunities easy to grab. Notable alumni include Earl Monroe and Stephen A. Smith.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location
601 S. Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27110, USA
Website
wssu.edu
Unit ID
199999

Academic & Institutional

Control
Public institution (funded by state or local government)
Accreditation
SACSCOC
Length of Study
Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System
Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (P)
Campus Setting
Located in a large city (population of 250,000 or more)
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral - R3 (Moderate Research)
Tuition & Fees
In-State
$6,735
Tuition $3,401 + Fee $3,334
Out-of-State
$17,391
Tuition $14,057 + Fee $3,334
Student Profile
Total Students 4,776
Undergraduate 4,244
Graduate/Other 532
Male: 1,183 Female: 3,593
Applications
Total Applicants 9,273
Admitted 6,357
Enrolled 883
Acceptance: 68.6% Yield: 13.9%
Staff
Total Staff 915
Full-time 765
Part-time 150
Full-time: 83.6% Part-time: 16.4%

Academic Programs & Fields of Study

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) offers 37 degree programs across 18 major academic fields, graduating approximately 1,071 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Health (9 programs, 474 graduates), Biological Sciences (2 programs, 102 graduates), Business (2 programs, 102 graduates), Psychology (1 programs, 60 graduates) and Liberal Arts (1 programs, 58 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.

Health (9 programs, 474 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Registered Nursing 139
Bachelor's
51.3801
Health Administration and Management 113
Bachelor's
Master's
51.0701
Clinical Laboratory Science and Medical Technology 58
Bachelor's
51.1005
Physical Therapy 39
Doctorate (P)
51.2308
Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling 36
Bachelor's
Master's
51.2310
Therapeutic Recreation 28
Bachelor's
51.2309
Occupational Therapy 27
Master's
51.2306
Family Practice Nursing 24
Master's
51.3805
Nursing Practice 10
Post-Master's
Doctorate (P)
51.3818
Biological Sciences (2 programs, 102 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Biology and Biological Sciences 59
Bachelor's
26.0101
Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology 43
Bachelor's
26.0908
Business (2 programs, 102 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Business Administration and Management 87
Bachelor's
Master's
52.0201
Accounting 15
Bachelor's
52.0301
Psychology (1 programs, 60 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
General Psychology 60
Bachelor's
42.0101
Liberal Arts (1 programs, 58 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
General Studies 58
Bachelor's
24.0102
Social Sciences (3 programs, 44 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Economics 21
Bachelor's
45.0601
Sociology 13
Bachelor's
45.1101
Political Science and Government 10
Bachelor's
45.1001
Kinesiology (2 programs, 41 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Sport and Fitness Management 33
Bachelor's
31.0504
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education 8
Bachelor's
31.0501
Security & Safety (1 programs, 36 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Criminal Justice and Safety Studies 36
Bachelor's
43.0104
Communication (1 programs, 33 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Mass Communication and Media Studies 33
Bachelor's
09.0102
Education (4 programs, 33 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Teacher Education and Professional Development 13
Master's
13.1299
Kindergarten and Preschool Education 11
Bachelor's
13.1209
Elementary Education 7
Bachelor's
13.1202
Teacher Education and Professional Development in Specific Subject Areas 2
Bachelor's
13.1399

Admission Requirements & Test Scores

Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU).

Application Requirements

Secondary School GPA
Required
Secondary School Record
Required
College Preparatory Program
Neither required nor recommended
Recommendations
Neither required nor recommended
Formal Demonstration of Competencies
Neither required nor recommended
English Proficiency Test (TOEFL)
Required
Personal Statement or Essay
Neither required nor recommended
Standardized Test Scores
SAT Scores
The SAT is a standardized college admission test measuring reading, writing, and math skills. Scores range from 400-1600 (combined Evidence-Based Reading & Writing + Math sections).
Composite Score Range
820 - 1050
25th-75th percentile
Evidence-Based Reading & Writing 420 - 530
Median: 490
Math 400 - 520
Median: 450
ACT Scores
The ACT is a standardized test for college admissions assessing English, math, reading, and science reasoning. Scores range from 1-36 (composite of all sections).
Composite Score Range
14 - 18
25th-75th percentile
English 12 - 17
Median: 14
Math 15 - 18
Median: 16

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$23,401
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$34,057
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$6,735
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$17,391
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$11,484 (on) / $10,800 (off)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,690
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$3,492 (on) / $4,831 (off)
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$4,761
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$7,206
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$17,741
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

19%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$9,254
Avg. Loan
$6,270
Avg. Federal Loan
$5,710
Additional
Students with Any Grant
751
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
616
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
648
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$3,389
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

49%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
75%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$29,750 – $66,577
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$29,750 (25th %) $66,577 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $45,344
Median Salary After 6 Years
$40,557
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$45,344
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
33.9%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
44.3%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$25,000
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 29.6%
Middle 35.2%
High 46.4%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 31.0%
Independent 39.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Winston-Salem State University (WSSU)

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

The annual tuition at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) is $6,735 for in-state students and $17,391 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $23,401 for in-state students and $34,057 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $11,484 (on) / $10,800 (off) and books and supplies $1,690.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does Winston-Salem State University offer?

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) offers 37 academic programs across 18 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Professional).

Most popular program areas include:

  • Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (9 programs)
  • Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research (2 programs)
  • Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (2 programs)
  • Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (1 programs)
  • Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (1 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

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

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) has an 68.6% acceptance rate and a 13.9% yield rate, making it selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 9,273
  • Students admitted: 6,357
  • Students enrolled: 883

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at Winston-Salem State University?

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) provides financial aid to 19% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $9,254 and average loans of $6,270.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,708
  • State/Local grants: $2,685
  • Institutional grants: $3,389
  • Federal loans: $5,710

The university supports 751 students with grants and 616 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for Winston-Salem State University graduates?

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) graduates earn a median salary of $40,557 after 6 years and $45,344 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $29,750 (25th percentile) to $66,577 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $69,700 (90th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

Campus map for Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University
Highway 107, Cullowhee, NC 28723-9646
View Profile
Campus map for Southeastern Free Will Baptist Bible College
Southeastern Free Will Baptist Bible College
532 Eagle Rock Road, Wendell, NC 27591-9072
View Profile
Campus map for Pinnacle Institute of Cosmetology
Pinnacle Institute of Cosmetology
461-C East Plaza Drive, Mooresville, NC 28115
View Profile
Campus map for Carolinas College of Health Sciences
Carolinas College of Health Sciences
2110 Water Ridge Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28217
View Profile
Found this helpful? Share it!

Found something useful? Help others discover it too! Share with friends, on social media, or save for later - every share helps someone find the information they need.