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Winston-Salem State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range830 to 1050
ACT Range15 to 20
Average GPA3.33
Acceptance Rate78.3%

At Winston-Salem State, the 78% acceptance rate means your focus should be showing you are comfortably prepared, not just admissible. Since it is test-optional and relatively few students submit scores, consider sending results only if they strengthen your application. A 1050 SAT or 20 ACT puts you near the top of the middle range.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Winston-Salem State University facts and stats

Quick Facts

Winston-Salem State University enrolls about 4,192 undergraduate students in an urban campus setting. Winston-Salem State has a 6-year graduation rate of 46%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1.

Location

Winston-Salem, NC

Undergrad Enrollment4,192
Freshman RetentionN/A
SettingUrban
Student to Faculty Ratio17:1
Graduation Rate46%
Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at Winston-Salem State?

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Key Winston-Salem State University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

August 15

Early Action

Offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

May 15

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

December 1

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Winston-Salem State, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year. Use the summer before senior year for retakes, since the August 15 Regular Decision deadline means fall senior-year scores will likely arrive too late.

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What you'll actually pay

Winston-Salem State is a public university with in-state tuition of $3,401 and out-of-state tuition of $14,057. About 90% of students receive aid, and the FAFSA priority deadline is December 1.

House illustration
In-State Tuition$3,401
Out-of-State Tuition$14,057
Room and Board$11,198
Average Merit Award$5,236
Application FeeN/A
Students on Aid90%
Average Aid Package$13,638
Average Debt at Grad$26,705

At Winston-Salem State University, out-of-state tuition is $14,057, while in-state tuition is $3,401, with room and board adding $11,198 before other expenses. Financial aid is common: 90% of students receive aid, and the average aid package is $13,638. Merit awards average $5,236, which can further reduce the bill for qualifying students. Graduates leave with an average debt of $26,705.

Student life at Winston-Salem State University

Activities and Organizations
Student newspaper
Drama and theater
Radio station
Marching band
Choral groups
Concert band
Jazz band
Pep band
Symphony orchestra
Dance
Musical theater
Opera
Music ensembles
Literary magazine
Yearbook
Student government
Model UN
International student organization
Campus ministries
Housing

50% of undergrads live on campus

Freshman housing: Priority

Coed
Men only
Women only
Greek life

Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.

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Acceptance rate: 90.1%

SAT: 1140–1270

ACT: 21–27

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