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Winston-Salem State University

#433 in US ranking Winston-Salem, NC
Type:
Public
Programs:
4 years or more

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Winston-Salem State University award

Cost

Cost / year
$22,875
Tuition & fees
$6,057
Avg. aid
$9,813
Receiving aid
97%

Admissions

Acceptance rate
78%
SAT range
830–1020
ACT range
15–20

Outcomes

Graduation rate
47%
Median salary
$46,027
1 yr after graduation

What are the graduation rates for students at Winston-Salem State University?

In IPEDS 2024-25 reporting, WSSU's four-year graduation rate was 30%, while its six-year rate was 47%. These figures describe completion within specified periods for the federal first-time, full-time undergraduate cohort; they do not represent every student who attends WSSU.

The additional two years make a meaningful difference to the reported outcome, which is relevant when estimating the time and expense of a degree. The reported student retention rate was 77%, a separate measure of whether first-time students continued into the following year. Transfer students, part-time students and students who complete elsewhere are not fully described by the headline graduation rates. Applicants comparing schools should use the same cohort definition and time period for each institution.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Winston-Salem State University?

College Scorecard program-level figures offer a limited view of earnings approximately one year after completion. For example, the reported figure for WSSU's registered nursing program was $63,779; the corresponding figure for computer science was $57,980. These are historical outcomes for the students represented in those program records, not starting-salary offers or predictions for an individual graduate.

Figures vary substantially by field. Reported one-year earnings were $35,330 for teacher education focused on specific levels and methods, compared with $30,639 for business administration and management. College Scorecard earnings measures generally draw on federal records for eligible, federally aided students and may omit graduates outside that measured population. Small cohorts, further study, work hours, occupation and location can also affect comparisons.

Students evaluating a major should consider these figures alongside program costs, licensing requirements, placement experience and the kinds of work they want to pursue. A one-year measure does not capture a full career trajectory.

Winston-Salem State University Graduation Rate

Avg. graduation
47%
4-year graduation
30%
6-year graduation
47%

Winston-Salem State University Retention and Employment

First-year retention, full-time students
77%
Employed 1 year after graduation
98%

Winston-Salem State University Median Alumni Salary Over Time

1 year after graduation
$46,027
4 years after graduation
$56,396
5 years after graduation
$58,200
7 years after graduation
$63,228
10 years after starting college
$52,558

Alumni Salary for Winston-Salem State University Degrees

Degrees

Avg. salary

Accounting and Related Services

$32,889

Biology, General

$32,123

Business Administration, Management and Operations

$30,639

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions

$51,993

Communication and Media Studies

$18,947

Computer and Information Sciences, General

$42,719

Computer Science

$57,980

Criminal Justice and Corrections

$25,515

Health and Medical Administrative Services

$25,333

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

$25,799

Political Science and Government

$22,920

Psychology, General

$27,801

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

$63,779

Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions

$25,996

Social Work

$26,263

Sociology

$17,643

Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness

$23,013

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods

$35,330

Winston-Salem State University Graduations Per Degree

BACHELOR’S Degree

Women Men Total

Health Professions and Related Programs

30324327

Biological and Biomedical Sciences

8814102

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

543286

Psychology

491160

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

461258

Social Sciences

281442

Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology

152641

Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services

31536

Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs

161733

Public Administration and Social Service Professions

30333

MASTER’S Degree

Women Men Total

Health Professions and Related Programs

88997

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

13114

Education

11213

Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services

033

Data last updated on November 5, 2026

Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026

Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.

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