Affordability
Winston-Salem State University is North Carolina’s only institution designated an Opportunity College by the Carnegie Classifications of Higher Education and the American Council on Education. One of just 11 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) nationwide to receive the designation, WSSU is recognized for expanding access to higher education for low-income and first-generation students while helping graduates achieve strong career and earnings outcomes.
Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem State University has joined the National Student Success Project.
Joined October 2026
wssu.edu
Affordability
That means full transparency about college costs; policies welcoming transfer students and credits they have already earned; and financial aid and other support for those in need.
The programs below are the ones the institution put forward against this commitment, with the outcomes it reports against each.
Academic Excellence
Academic ExcellenceThat means many things, including courses that challenge and inspire; continuous assessment of teaching tools and methods; student participation in cutting-edge research and discovery; close faculty engagement with students; and timely academic help for those who need it.
The programs below are the ones the institution put forward against this commitment, with the outcomes it reports against each.
Helping Transfer and Returning Students Navigate Their Path to Graduation
Winston-Salem State University’s Transfer and Adult Student Services supports transfer, adult and returning students through dedicated advising, credit evaluation and graduation planning. WSSU also partners with Forsyth Technical Community College through seven academic pathway agreements that streamline credit transfers, coordinate advising and create more affordable routes to bachelor’s degrees. Together, these initiatives remove barriers, expand educational access and help students progress toward graduation while meeting regional workforce needs.
Career Pathways
Career PathwaysCareer preparation runs through the institution's advising, its employer relationships and its funding for work-based learning.
The programs below are the ones the institution put forward against this commitment, with the outcomes it reports against each.
Bringing Employers into Curriculum Development to Strengthen Workforce Preparation
Winston-Salem State University serves as a convener of employers, business leaders and faculty through its Industry Insight Skills Summit and Business Advisory Council to better understand emerging workforce needs and the skills employers require. These insights help shape the university’s business curriculum, ensuring students are prepared to meet evolving industry demands and contribute to the region’s workforce pipeline.
Dialogue & Community
Dialogue & CommunityThat means we support student well-being. We also protect free speech while showing students how to engage across differences, so they can be caring and responsible citizens.
The programs below are the ones the institution put forward against this commitment, with the outcomes it reports against each.
Connecting Civic Engagement with Student Belonging and Personal Development
Winston-Salem State University’s new Center for Civic and Public Engagement is designed to strengthen student resilience, belonging, purpose and community connection while expanding opportunities for civic involvement. By connecting students with opportunities for public engagement on campus and in the surrounding community, the center supports their development as active and informed citizens.