WSSU vs. Carolina University

Comparable Facts

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

Winston Salem State University is larger than Carolina University based on total student enrollment (4,782 students vs. 880 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Winston Salem State University is located in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting); Carolina University is in Winston-Salem, North Carolina (Midsize City setting).
• Winston Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Carolina University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Winston Salem State University 15:1; Carolina University 17:1.

WSSU vs. Carolina University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WSSU or Carolina University? 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 Carolina University ($12,989 vs. $20,412).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Winston Salem State University are 7.4% lower than at Carolina University ($11,484 vs. $12,400).
• Carolina University is 186.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSSU (about $11,449 more per year; $17,575.00 vs. $6,126.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.7% higher at Carolina University than at Winston Salem State University (about $793 more per year; $17,575.00 vs. $16,782.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carolina University than at Winston Salem State University (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carolina University students is 18.8% larger than aid received by Winston Salem State University students ($11,947 vs. $10,057).

WSSU vs. Carolina University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WSSU or Carolina University? 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 Carolina University and WSSU.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Winston Salem State University 830/1020.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Winston Salem State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WSSU - Test optional; Carolina University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: WSSU Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WSSU students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.01) than students at Carolina University (3.0).
• WSSU has a higher acceptance rate (78.3%) than Carolina University (39.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at WSSU vs. 26.5% at Carolina University.

WSSU vs. Carolina University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WSSU and Carolina University? 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).

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.