Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) Acceptance Rate, GPA, and Admission Requirements

Winston-Salem State University Acceptance Rate

Winston-Salem State University is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Winston-Salem State University is 68.6%. This means that 69 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.

Admissions Guidelines

• Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
• Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.

Selectivity at a Glance

Somewhat Selective

Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 68.6% acceptance rate

Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)

Recommended Academic Profile

Candidate GPA Range

Admission Category

Strategic Requirement

3.01 – 4.00

Target Match

Maintain Rigor & High Testing

2.81 – 3.00

Competitive Reach

Focus on Score Compensation

Below 2.56

Secondary Reach

Requires Contextual Support

Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.

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.

Check Your Admission Chances at WSSU

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) Test Requirements

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 2026 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.

Can I Get Into WSSU Without SAT or ACT?

Winston-Salem State University Average SAT Score: 946

The average SAT score of the admitted students at Winston-Salem State University is 946 on the 1600 SAT scale.

SAT Competitiveness

SAT 946 — Accessible

This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 946 on the SAT.

If your score is below 820, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at WSSU. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.

SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections

It means that if you have scored less than 820 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 950

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 16.

ACT Competitiveness

ACT 16 — Accessible

This score makes Winston-Salem State University an easy target for ACT scores. You need to put average efforts to score 16 on the ACT.

ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections

Can I get into Winston-Salem State University with a 18 ACT?

A 18 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Winston-Salem State University — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Winston-Salem State University use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.

Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.

One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Winston-Salem State University — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Winston-Salem State University uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.

Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 18 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.

View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 16

Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for WSSU

WSSU Profile

Is a WSSU Degree Worth It?

Compare Similar Colleges

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	Pine Bluff, AR	916	16
Bethune-Cookman University	Daytona Beach, FL	913	17
Trinity College of Florida	Trinity, FL	905	19
Wesleyan College	Macon, GA	905	NA
Morningside University	Sioux City, IA	910	17
Upper Iowa University	Fayette, IA	929	18
Kentucky State University	Frankfort, KY	910	17
Southern University at New Orleans	New Orleans, LA	910	16
Maine College of Health Professions	Lewiston, ME	910	NA
Bowie State University	Bowie, MD	935	NA

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 is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.

School	Location	SAT	ACT
Alabama A & M University	Normal, AL	947	17
Johnson University Florida	Kissimmee, FL	940	NA
Warner University	Lake Wales, FL	937	17
Gordon State College	Barnesville, GA	950	18
Baker University	Baldwin City, KS	950	17

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	Montgomery, AL	977	18
Faulkner University	Montgomery, AL	1016	20
University of West Alabama	Livingston, AL	1015	20
Baptist Health College Little Rock	Little Rock, AR	980	20
Central Baptist College	Conway, AR	1022	20

Degree Programs at WSSU

Bachelor Degree Programs

Full list of all degree programs offered by Winston-Salem State University →

Frequently Asked Questions About WSSU Admissions