WNC vs. WSSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Nevada College in Carson City, NV 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 WNC based on total student enrollment (4,782 students vs. 4,284 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Nevada College is located in Carson City, NV (Rural Fringe setting); Winston Salem State University is in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting).
• Western Nevada College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Winston Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Nevada College 15:1; Winston Salem State University 15:1.

WNC vs. WSSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WNC 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 WNC ($12,989 vs. $14,929).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Winston Salem State University are 35.4% lower than at Western Nevada College ($11,484 vs. $17,788).
• Winston Salem State University is 47% more expensive for in-state tuition than WNC (about $1,958 more per year; $6,126.00 vs. $4,168.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30.8% higher at WSSU than at Western Nevada College (about $3,948 more per year; $16,782.00 vs. $12,834.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Winston Salem State University than at Western Nevada College (91% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Winston Salem State University students is 71.2% larger than aid received by Western Nevada College students ($10,057 vs. $5,874).

WNC vs. WSSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WNC 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 WNC.

• Western Nevada College reports an open admissions policy.
• 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: WNC - Open admission; WSSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WSSU Feb 15, 2027.

WNC vs. WSSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WNC 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).

• Graduates from Winston Salem State University earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than WNC graduates about ten years after starting college ($35,700 vs. $33,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Nevada College graduates have a $14,347 lower median loan debt than WSSU graduates ($11,316 vs. $25,663).
• Among borrowers, WNC graduates have an estimated $148 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WSSU graduates ($117 vs. $265).
• More WSSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WNC students, three years after graduation. (33% vs. 30%)

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.