WSSU vs. Claflin University

Comparable Facts

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

Winston Salem State University is larger than Claflin University based on total student enrollment (4,782 students vs. 1,852 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Winston Salem State University is located in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting); Claflin University is in Orangeburg, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Winston Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Claflin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Winston Salem State University 15:1; Claflin University 13:1.

WSSU vs. Claflin University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WSSU or Claflin 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 Claflin University ($12,989 vs. $17,272).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Claflin University are 17.5% lower than at Winston Salem State University ($9,480 vs. $11,484).
• Claflin University is 198.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSSU (about $12,156 more per year; $18,282.00 vs. $6,126.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.9% higher at Claflin University than at Winston Salem State University (about $1,500 more per year; $18,282.00 vs. $16,782.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Claflin University than at Winston Salem State University (98% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Claflin University students is 65% larger than aid received by Winston Salem State University students ($16,596 vs. $10,057).

WSSU vs. Claflin University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Claflin University (940) is 10 points higher than at WSSU (930).
• Incoming WSSU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 17) as students at Claflin University (17).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Winston Salem State University 830/1020; Claflin University 840/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Winston Salem State University 15/20; Claflin University 16/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WSSU - Test optional; Claflin University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: WSSU Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Claflin University students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at WSSU (3.01).
• WSSU has a higher acceptance rate (78.3%) than Claflin University (64.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at WSSU vs. 7.3% at Claflin University.

WSSU vs. Claflin University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WSSU and Claflin 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).

• Winston Salem State University's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than Claflin University's (40%).
• Graduates from Winston Salem State University earn a median of about $5,000 more per year than Claflin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($35,700 vs. $30,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Winston Salem State University graduates have a $6,521 lower median loan debt than Claflin University graduates ($25,663 vs. $32,184).
• Among borrowers, WSSU graduates have an estimated $67 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Claflin University graduates ($265 vs. $332).
• More WSSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Claflin University students, three years after graduation. (33% vs. 25%)

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.