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Colleges / NC / Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem State University logo

Winston-Salem State University

Public Winston-Salem, NC · Urban · Southeast · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
48%
Graduation Rate
$45,344
Earnings (10yr)
$13,479
Net Price
78%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

Winston-Salem State University is a strong fit for students looking to dive into health professions, biology, business, marketing, or psychology. With an acceptance rate of 78%, it welcomes a diverse array of learners, making it an accessible choice for many. The school’s enrollment of around 4,170 means you can expect a more intimate environment, where you can connect with peers and professors alike.

When it comes to what happens after graduation, the numbers tell a clear story. Graduates earn an average of $45,344 after ten years, which offers a solid foundation for entering the workforce. With 65% of students receiving Pell Grants, the financial support available can help ease the burden of college costs, allowing more students to focus on their studies and future careers. This affordability often leads to better outcomes for graduates, especially for those who come from lower-income backgrounds.

Looking at the bottom line, the net price of attending Winston-Salem State University is about $13,479 after aid, which is manageable for many families. The median debt of $25,000 is reasonable considering the potential earnings after graduation. Students who thrive here tend to be those who are motivated and ready to engage with their education, particularly in health and business fields where there is a clear path to employment upon graduation.

Rankings

How Winston-Salem Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation48%Earnings 10yr$45KNet Price$13KRetention77%Median Debt$25KPell Grant Rate65%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$11K$0-30K$12K$30-48K$15K$48-75K$21K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%2101.2%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%1441.1%MOBILITY302.80%

Cost & Financial Aid

$6,126
In-State Tuition
$16,782
Out-of-State
$13,479
Avg Net Price
$25,000
Median Debt
65%
Pell Grant Rate
68%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$11,463
Family Income $0–$30K
$12,412
Family Income $30K–$48K
$14,681
Family Income $48K–$75K
$21,405
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$40,557
6 Years After Entry
$43,867
8 Years
$45,344
10 Years
0.55x
Debt-to-Earnings
55%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$40,557 6yr $43,867 8yr $45,344 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

302.80%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
1441.1%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
2101.2%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$45,400
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.02
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.02
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
2.5%
Volunteering Rate
0.99
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 78%
Retention Rate 77%
SAT Average 945
ACT Midpoint 17
SAT Range 830–1020
ACT Range 15–20
Full-Time Faculty 67%
Faculty Salary (mo) $9,217
Diversity Index 0.30
First-Gen Students 35%

Top Programs

Health Professions 37%
Biology & Biomedical 11%
Business & Marketing 10%
Psychology 7%
Humanities 7%
Social Sciences 5%
Criminal Justice 4%
Communications 4%