WSSU vs. Virginia Union University

Comparable Facts

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

Winston Salem State University is larger than Virginia Union University based on total student enrollment (4,782 students vs. 1,646 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Winston Salem State University is located in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting); Virginia Union University is in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Winston Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Winston Salem State University 15:1; Virginia Union University 16:1.

WSSU vs. Virginia Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WSSU or Virginia Union 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 Virginia Union University than WSSU ($11,483 vs. $12,989).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Virginia Union University are 4.1% lower than at Winston Salem State University ($11,016 vs. $11,484).
• Virginia Union University is 184.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSSU (about $11,324 more per year; $17,450.00 vs. $6,126.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4% higher at Virginia Union University than at Winston Salem State University (about $668 more per year; $17,450.00 vs. $16,782.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Winston Salem State University than at Virginia Union University (91% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Virginia Union University students is 74.2% larger than aid received by Winston Salem State University students ($17,524 vs. $10,057).

WSSU vs. Virginia Union University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Winston Salem State University (930) is 60 points higher than at Virginia Union University (870).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Winston Salem State University 830/1020; Virginia Union University 850/885.
• 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; Virginia Union University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WSSU Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WSSU students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.01) than students at Virginia Union University (2.71).
• Virginia Union University has a higher acceptance rate (98%) than WSSU (78.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at WSSU vs. 14.3% at Virginia Union University.

WSSU vs. Virginia Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WSSU and Virginia Union 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 Virginia Union University's (29%).
• Graduates from Winston Salem State University earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than Virginia Union University graduates about ten years after starting college ($35,700 vs. $33,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Winston Salem State University graduates have a $8,087 lower median loan debt than Virginia Union University graduates ($25,663 vs. $33,750).
• Among borrowers, WSSU graduates have an estimated $83 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Virginia Union University graduates ($265 vs. $348).
• More WSSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Virginia Union University students, three years after graduation. (33% vs. 19%)

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.