Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. WSSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Lenoir Rhyne University in Hickory, NC with Winston Salem State University in Winston-Salem, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Winston Salem State University is larger than Lenoir-Rhyne University based on total student enrollment (4,782 students vs. 2,256 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lenoir Rhyne University is located in Hickory, NC (Small City setting); Winston Salem State University is in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting).
• Lenoir Rhyne University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Winston Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lenoir Rhyne University 15:1; Winston Salem State University 15:1.

Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. WSSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lenoir-Rhyne University or WSSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Winston Salem State University than Lenoir-Rhyne University ($12,989 vs. $21,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Winston Salem State University are 14.3% lower than at Lenoir Rhyne University ($11,484 vs. $13,400).
• Lenoir Rhyne University is 420.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSSU (about $25,774 more per year; $31,900.00 vs. $6,126.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 90.1% higher at Lenoir-Rhyne University than at Winston Salem State University (about $15,118 more per year; $31,900.00 vs. $16,782.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lenoir Rhyne University than at Winston Salem State University (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lenoir Rhyne University students is 133.3% larger than aid received by Winston Salem State University students ($23,467 vs. $10,057).

Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. WSSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lenoir-Rhyne University or WSSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between WSSU and Lenoir-Rhyne University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWinston Salem State University 830/1020.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWinston Salem State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lenoir-Rhyne University - Test-free; WSSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WSSU Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lenoir-Rhyne University students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at WSSU (3.01).
• Lenoir-Rhyne University has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than WSSU (78.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. 13.1% at WSSU.

Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. WSSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lenoir-Rhyne University and WSSU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Lenoir Rhyne University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Winston Salem State University's (41%).
• Graduates from Lenoir Rhyne University earn a median of about $6,300 more per year than WSSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,000 vs. $35,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Winston Salem State University graduates have a $1,337 lower median loan debt than Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates ($25,663 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WSSU graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates ($265 vs. $279).
• More Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSSU students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 33%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.