About

About Winston-Salem State University

hbcuhealth sciences focusdoctoral programspublic universitybusiness and nursing strengths

Winston-Salem State University is a public university in Winston-Salem, NC, known for its HBCU designation, health sciences focus, and business and nursing strengths. With an acceptance rate of 73%, WSSU is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 855 students each year. WSSU is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 830–1050, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. WSSU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $7,754 per year; the sticker price of $33,259 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Winston-Salem State University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

73%
Overall Accept Rate
940
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 830 – 1050 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Winston-Salem State University

Essay Strategy
Winston-Salem State is an HBCU with a strong sense of community and mission, so use your essays or additional information section to explain why an HBCU environment specifically appeals to you and how WSSU's culture aligns with your goals.
Extracurriculars
WSSU has deep roots in the Winston-Salem community through its health clinics, tutoring centers, and civic partnerships, so if you have done volunteer work or internships in the Triad region, name those organizations specifically to show you already understand and value WSSU's local mission.

Financial Aid & Cost

What Winston-Salem State University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceAvg. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$33k/yr$11.5k
30k-48k~$33k/yr$12.4k
48k-75k~$33k/yr$14.7k
75k-110k~$33k/yr$18.8k
110k+~$33k/yr$21.4k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

49%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$41k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
16:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
4,438
Undergrad Enrollment

Student Body

Student body composition

Race & Ethnicity

83%Black / African American
5%White
5%Hispanic
4%Two or More Races
1%Unknown / Unreported
1%International
1%Asian
0%American Indian / AK Native
0%Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
Gender26% Men · 74% Women
Citizenship / Immigration Status99% Citizens and Immigrants · 1% International
WSSU, Winston-Salem Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch