Winston-Salem State University is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) is 73.39%. This means that 73 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
How Competitive are Winston-Salem State University Admissions?
- Competitive: Applicants need good academics and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.

To secure admission, you must convince the admission staff that you are both mentally and physically fit for the course of study. More importantly, your GPA, class performance, SAT/ACT scores, and IB or AP courses can help your application stand out. Additionally, if you do not perform well in one area, you can showcase your strengths in other areas, as the WSSU is not very strict in its admission process, so improving other areas will help you secure admission.
As the acceptance rate is above 50%, you still have a chance if your GPA is not excellent. You can make up for a lower GPA by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses.
Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can enhance your admission chances.
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. A minimum GPA of 2.61 is necessary for admission.
Can I Get Into WSSU Without SAT Or ACT?: Winston-Salem State University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
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.
Winston-Salem State University 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.
Winston-Salem State University 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.
Winston-Salem State University 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.
Winston-Salem State University 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.
SAT Vs ACT: Which score to send
You can compare your scores in SAT and ACT to the average SAT and ACT Scores of the admitted students at Winston-Salem State University. More importantly, comparing your scores with the 25th and 75th percentiles of SAT and ACT scores will give you a better understanding of where you stand. If your score on the SAT is near the 75th percentile SAT score, then you must send your SAT score. If your ACT score is near the 75th percentile, then you must send your ACT Score.
But there is more, if both of your scores are in the same range, then it is better to send an ACT Score, as in the case of ACT, you can control which score to send as opposed to SAT.
Here is how: When sending the ACT Score, you can decide which score you want to send to the colleges. You could take 8 ACT tests, and only send your highest one. This is not the case with the SAT, where your score report mentions all of your attempts.
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 WSSU 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 than the requirements of Winston-Salem State University, 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 for Winston-Salem State University, 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
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 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.