Winston-Salem State University, established in 1892, is North Carolina's historically black university with renowned nursing and business programs. The campus includes the new Sciences Building. WSSU's 'Transformational Learning' emphasizes leadership.
Winston-Salem State University Acceptance Rate
Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) is somewhat selective. With an acceptance rate of 73.39%, the school is accessible to students who demonstrate foundational academic competency and a readiness for college-level work.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Winston-Salem State University Admission Requirements
WSSU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at WSSU is 3.01. This suggests moderate selectivity.
A mix of A’s, B’s, and some C’s is common. Higher SAT/ACT scores can compensate for a lower GPA.
If your GPA is between 2.71 and 3.01, aim for a strong standardized test score.
WSSU GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at WSSU utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.01, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.01 – 4.00 | Strategic Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 2.81 – 3.00 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 2.61 – 2.80 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 2.60 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At WSSU, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Winston-Salem State University Average SAT Score: 921
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Winston-Salem State University is 921 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it an easy target or SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 921 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1050 SAT or 19 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Winston-Salem State University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 830, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to WSSU. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 465 | 410 | 520 |
| SAT Reading | 475 | 420 | 530 |
| SAT Composite | 921 | 830 | 1050 |
It means that if you have scored less than 830 then you are below most of the admitted students at WSSU and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1050 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 900
Can I get into Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) with a 1050 SAT?
With a 1050 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) are good but the admission staff at WSSU tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at WSSU is 17.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Winston-Salem State University an easy target or ACT scores. You need to put average efforts to score 17 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 17 | 15 | 18 |
| ACT English | 16 | 12 | 19 |
| ACT Composite | 17 | 14 | 19 |
Can I get into Winston-Salem State University with a 19 ACT?
With a 19 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Winston-Salem State University are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 17.WSSU Profile
Name: Winston-Salem State University (WSSU)
City: Winston-Salem
URL: www.wssu.edu/
State: North Carolina
Type: Public
Zip: 27110-0001
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
How much does a degree from WSSU Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Winston-Salem State University is USD: 22372. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Winston-Salem State University is USD: 14618
How can I get a scholarship?
61.64% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 60.43 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to WSSU and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Winston-Salem State University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist WSSU as your choice in the form.
How much a WSSU Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 45344. An average WSSU graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Winston-Salem State University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff | University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, AR | 878 | 16 |
| Gallaudet University | Gallaudet University, DC | 896 | 17 |
| Bethune-Cookman University | Bethune-Cookman University, FL | 903 | 17 |
| Fort Valley State University | Fort Valley State University, GA | 871 | 18 |
| St Luke's College | St Luke's College, IA | 910 | 17 |
| Kentucky State University | Kentucky State University, KY | 889 | 17 |
| Bowie State University | Bowie State University, MD | 910 | NA |
| Villa Maria College | Villa Maria College, NY | 895 | NA |
| Livingstone College | Livingstone College, NC | 887 | 18 |
| Wilberforce University | Wilberforce University, OH | 910 | 16 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Winston-Salem State University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama A & M University | Alabama A & M University, AL | 920 | 17 |
| Fayetteville State University | Fayetteville State University, NC | 915 | 17 |
| Huston-Tillotson University | Huston-Tillotson University, TX | 930 | 17 |
| Texas Southern University | Texas Southern University, TX | 922 | 17 |
| University of Puerto Rico-Carolina | University of Puerto Rico-Carolina, PR | 930 | NA |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Winston-Salem State University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama State University | Alabama State University, AL | 963 | 18 |
| Johnson University Florida | Johnson University Florida, FL | 960 | NA |
| Trinity Baptist College | Trinity Baptist College, FL | 987 | 19 |
| Trinity College of Florida | Trinity College of Florida, FL | 966 | 19 |
| Warner University | Warner University, FL | 968 | 19 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Biology, General
- Biotechnology
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Chemistry
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
Frequently Asked Questions About Winston-Salem State University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $45344 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $22372 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are excellent, with more than a 80% chance, depending on your academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Winston-Salem State University is 73.39 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.01. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 2.71, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.71, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 2.71 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 2.61 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to Winston-Salem State University if my GPA is below 2.61
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.01, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to Winston-Salem State University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 921 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 830-1050
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Winston-Salem State University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.