Your chances of getting into Winston Salem State University
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at WSSU is 73.4%. Its admission rate is the 29th lowest in North Carolina.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into WSSU and can you get accepted?
WSSU is a moderately competitive school to get into. You have a strong chance of acceptance if you meet the criteria. Last year, 5,598 out of the 7,628 who applied were admitted.
Winston Salem State University typically accepts and attracts "B" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.01. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 15% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.
Can you get into WSSU?
73% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.
Admission Requirements in Brief
To have the best chance of getting into to Winston Salem State University you should:
- Have a high school GPA of 3.01 or better
- Earn B grades in high school
- Score 940 on the SAT
- Score 16 on the ACT
- Graduate in the top half of your high school class
WSSU GPA
GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into Winston Salem State University?
GPA Requirements
The GPA requirements for getting into WSSU are to have around a 3.01 high school GPA. You need about average high school grades.
If your high school GPA meets these requirements, there is a good chance you will be accepted as WSSU accepts 73% of students who apply.
Average GPA
The average unweighted GPA at WSSU is 3.01 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B letter grades and regularly score around 83-86 percent on tests and assignments in high school. The school ranks #45 in North Carolina for highest average GPA.
Importance of GPA
Since WSSU is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.0 GPA range.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022
WSSU SAT Scores
Testing Requirements
Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Winston Salem State University. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 8% of students submitted SAT scores and 16% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
---|---|
Reading 25th Percentile | 420 |
Math 25th Percentile | 410 |
Composite 25th Percentile | 830 |
SAT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
---|---|
Reading 75th Percentile | 530 |
Math 75th Percentile | 520 |
Composite 75th Percentile | 1050 |
Average SAT Score | 940
|
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Winston Salem State University?
Average Score & Range
The average SAT score at WSSU is 940 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 830-1050. Students who get into Winston Salem State University score in the top 87 percent of all SAT test takers.. WSSU ranks #45 in the state of North Carolina for highest average SAT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
You should target scoring 940 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. WSSU regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 830 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 830, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 720, but scores this low are outside the normal range.
Score Submission Requirements
Winston Salem State University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".
View other colleges which accept students in the 940 SAT score range.
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting classChance of Acceptance by SAT Score
The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 940, you have around a 73% chance of being admitted. A 1050 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 84% chance of getting in.
WSSU ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
---|---|
Reading 25th Percentile | 12 |
Math 25th Percentile | 15 |
Composite 25th Percentile | 14 |
ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
---|---|
Reading 75th Percentile | 19 |
Math 75th Percentile | 18 |
Composite 75th Percentile | 19 |
Average ACT Score | 16
|
ACT Scores needed to get accepted
What are the ACT requirements for students to get into WSSU?
Score Range
The average ACT score for admitted students to WSSU is 16, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 14 and 19. The school ranks #47 in North Carolina for highest average ACT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 16. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 14 and score in the score in the top 87 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 12.
16 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Winston Salem State University.
Score Submission Requirements
You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Winston Salem State University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".
Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting classChance of Acceptance by ACT Score
Here are your predicted chances of getting into WSSU for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 16 score has around 73% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 85% with a 19 ACT score.
High School Class Rank
65% of Winston Salem State University freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 24% are in the top quarter.
High School Class Rank | Freshmen Within Range |
---|---|
Top 10% of class | 6% |
Top 25% of class | 24% |
Top 50% of class | 65% |
Applying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.
Women | Men | Total | |
---|---|---|---|
Applied | 5,449 | 2,178 | 7,628 |
Accepted | 4,066 | 1,531 | 5,598 |
Acceptance Rate | 75% | 70% | 73% |
Enrolled | 629 | 226 | 855 |
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 15% | 15% | 15% |
Fall 2025 Application Deadline
Applications Due
Days left to Apply
Applicants have 66 days left until the Fall 2025 term applications are due on Feb 15, 2025.
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Winston Salem State University is $50.
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Winston Salem State University and what student information is used for admission decisions?
Test Scores | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional) |
High School GPA | Required to be considered for admission |
High School Class Rank | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
Completion of College Preparatory Program | Not considered for admission, even if submitted |
Recommendations | Not considered for admission, even if submitted |
Demonstration of Competencies | Not considered for admission, even if submitted |
Credits Accepted
AP Credit | Yes |
Dual Credit | Yes |
Credit for Life Experiences | No |
Admission Requirements Summary
Because WSSU is moderately competitive, you have a strong chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.01 GPA, you have a very good likelihood of getting in. A 940 on the SAT and 16 on the ACT will further lock in your application.
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to Winston Salem State University often consider these colleges
North Carolina Central University
Public 4 Year
North Carolina A & T State University
Public 4 Year
Fayetteville State University
Public 4 Year
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Public 4 Year
Elizabeth City State University
Public 4 Year
Wake Forest University
Private 4 Year
East Carolina University
Public 4 Year
Virginia State University
Public 4 Year
Catawba College
Private 4 Year
Norfolk State University
Public 4 Year
Bowie State University
Public 4 Year
Delaware State University
Public 4 Year
Spelman College
Private 4 Year
Clark Atlanta University
Private 4 Year
Shaw University
Private 4 Year
Hampton University
Private 4 Year
Morgan State University
Public 4 Year
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Public 4 Year
Tennessee State University
Public 4 Year
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Public 4 Year
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=199999 IPEDS survey data for Winston Salem State University.
Last updated February 24, 2024