WSSU vs. South Carolina State University

Comparable Facts

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

Winston Salem State University is larger than South Carolina State University based on total student enrollment (4,782 students vs. 3,242 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Winston Salem State University is located in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting); South Carolina State University is in Orangeburg, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Winston Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. South Carolina State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Winston Salem State University 15:1; South Carolina State University 19:1.

WSSU vs. South Carolina State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WSSU or South Carolina State 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 South Carolina State University ($12,989 vs. $17,965).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Carolina State University are 21.6% lower than at Winston Salem State University ($9,000 vs. $11,484).
• South Carolina State University is 80.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSSU (about $4,934 more per year; $11,060.00 vs. $6,126.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.6% higher at South Carolina State University than at Winston Salem State University (about $4,968 more per year; $21,750.00 vs. $16,782.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at South Carolina State University than at Winston Salem State University (95% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by South Carolina State University students is 15.1% larger than aid received by Winston Salem State University students ($11,579 vs. $10,057).

WSSU vs. South Carolina State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Winston Salem State University (930) is the same as at South Carolina State University (930).
• Incoming WSSU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 17) as students at South Carolina State University (17).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Winston Salem State University 830/1020; South Carolina State University 800/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Winston Salem State University 15/20; South Carolina State University 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WSSU - Test optional; South Carolina State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: WSSU Feb 15, 2027; South Carolina State University Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman South Carolina State University students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.17) than students at WSSU (3.01).
• South Carolina State University has a higher acceptance rate (82.6%) than WSSU (78.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at WSSU vs. 11.4% at South Carolina State University.

WSSU vs. South Carolina State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WSSU and South Carolina State 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 South Carolina State University's (35%).
• Graduates from Winston Salem State University earn a median of about $4,700 more per year than South Carolina State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($35,700 vs. $31,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Winston Salem State University graduates have a $7,542 lower median loan debt than South Carolina State University graduates ($25,663 vs. $33,205).
• Among borrowers, WSSU graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Carolina State University graduates ($265 vs. $343).
• More WSSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former South Carolina State University students, three years after graduation. (33% vs. 27%)

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.