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.
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![]() Shaw University |
![]() Winston-Salem State University |
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Overview |
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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% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | Baptist | |
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 65.3% | 81.5% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$25
Graduate:
$50
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Undergraduate:
$50
Graduate:
$50
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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 |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $30,270 |
In state:
$23,252
Out of state:
$33,908
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Average net price | $15,498 | $12,976 |
Tuition | $11,808 |
In state:
$3,401
Out of state:
$14,057
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$3,842
Meal plan:
$4,672
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Room/dormitory:
$7,568
Meal plan:
$3,872
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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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 |
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Students and Campus |
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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
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Low
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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 |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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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 |
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Outcome |
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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)
Social Work (Bachelor's Degrees)
Theological and Ministerial Studies (Master's Degrees)
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Bachelor's Degrees)
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
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