Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) vs Shaw University

Winston-Salem State University and Shaw University, both esteemed historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in North Carolina, offer unique educational experiences. Winston-Salem State boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option, while Shaw University's smaller student body fosters a more intimate learning environment. Explore their distinct offerings in popular majors, from nursing and education to business and social sciences. Discover the vibrant student body demographics, reflecting the rich diversity of their respective communities. Compare graduation rates to gauge each institution's track record of student success. Delve into the comprehensive comparison table to uncover further insights and determine which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
Shaw University logo

Shaw University

Winston-Salem State University logo

Winston-Salem State University

Overview

Location Raleigh, North Carolina Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Campus setting City: Large City: Midsize
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Public
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 58.0% 76.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation Baptist

Admission

Acceptance rate 65.3% 81.5%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $25

Graduate: $50
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $50
SAT range N/A 880 - 1040
ACT range N/A 15 - 19
Students submitting SAT score 7.0%
Students submitting ACT score 35.0%
Total number of applicants 2,435 5,419
Total number of admissions given out 1,591 4,415
Admitted students who chose to enroll 142 912
Yield rate 8.9% 20.7%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $30,270
In state: $23,252

Out of state: $33,908
Average net price $15,498 $12,976
Tuition $11,808
In state: $3,401

Out of state: $14,057
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $3,842

Meal plan: $4,672
Room/dormitory: $7,568

Meal plan: $3,872
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Guaranteed tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

99.0%
Average amount $15,344
87.0%
Average amount $7,752
Students receiving federal student loan 70.0%
Average amount $5,858
78.0%
Average amount $6,071
Students taking out private loans 1.0%
Average amount $13,812
3.0%
Average amount $9,995

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 998
Men 42.8% Women 57.2%
4,726
Men 23.8% Women 76.2%
Graduate students 143
Men 47.6% Women 52.4%
500
Men 19.0% Women 81.0%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Low
Out-of-state students N/A 16.1%
International students 6.2% 1.2%
Campus local/setting City: Large City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity 1,144 2,423
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from N/A North Carolina South Carolina Maryland District of Columbia Virginia

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Theology
  • Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
  • Law Enforcement and Firefighting
  • Psychology
  • Health Professions
  • Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
  • Business
  • Liberal Arts
  • Education
Students to faculty ratio 15:1 16:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 16.3% 45.8%
Dropout rate 81.0% 26.8%
Transferred out N/A 25.9%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $24,104
  • Year 2: $29,866
  • Year 3: $37,072
Social Work (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $31,535
  • Year 2: $32,391
  • Year 3: $35,008
Theological and Ministerial Studies (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $31,305
  • Year 3: $31,328
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $21,703
  • Year 3: $28,828
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $20,994
  • Year 2: $20,140
  • Year 3: $26,669
Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $18,795
  • Year 2: $23,340
  • Year 3: N/A
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $85,095
  • Year 2: $88,195
  • Year 3: $101,566
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $69,950
  • Year 2: $73,446
  • Year 3: $77,785
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,779
  • Year 2: $62,067
  • Year 3: $64,434
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $54,681
  • Year 2: $59,837
  • Year 3: $62,855
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $51,993
  • Year 2: $47,930
  • Year 3: $54,205
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $25,515
  • Year 2: $31,708
  • Year 3: $36,585
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $25,333
  • Year 2: $32,094
  • Year 3: $35,280
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $32,123
  • Year 2: $30,554
  • Year 3: $34,927
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $30,639
  • Year 2: $31,133
  • Year 3: $34,903
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $27,801
  • Year 2: $21,850
  • Year 3: $32,247

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