Overview
Founded in 1892 as the Slater Industrial Academy, Winston-Salem State University is one of the nation's oldest historically Black universities and a founding member of the CIAA athletic conference. Originally established to train Black teachers, the institution evolved through the 20th century into a comprehensive university and is now part of the University of North Carolina system. WSSU is particularly well regarded for its nursing, health sciences, and business programs, and it holds the distinction of being the first HBCU in North Carolina to be recognized for its academic quality by national ranking organizations.
At a Glance
| Type | Public |
| Location | Winston-Salem, North Carolina |
| Founded | 1892 |
| Total students | 5,100 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 16:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 74% |
| Graduation rate | 48% |
| Average starting salary | $42,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $5,800 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $18,800 |
| Room & board | $9,500 |
| Average financial aid | $12,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 90% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 870-1020 |
| ACT range | 15-19 |
| Average GPA | 3.10 |
| Regular deadline | June 1 |
Top Programs
- Nursing
- Business Administration
- Criminal Justice
- Biology
- Computer Science
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.