Colleges and Universities in Winston-Salem

Did you know there are six colleges and universities in Winston-Salem? Whether you’re a prospective student or a longtime local, keep reading to learn the history and stats of our local schools!

Updated August 2024

Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem State University was founded in 1892 as Slater Industrial Academy. When it became the Winston-Salem Teachers College in 1925, it was the first African American institution in the U.S. to grant degrees in elementary education.

Over time, the school continued to grow into what it is today, a renowned historically black college/university (HBCU) with a highly rated nursing program.

Enrollment: ~4,700 undergraduate students

Mascot: Rocky the Ram

Student-Staff Ratio: 16 to 1

Rankings: 2024 No. 13 Best HBCU in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report) and 2023 No. 2 in social mobility (CollegeNET)

Wake Forest University

Founded in 1834, Wake Forest University was originally located in Wake Forest, NC. Following a proposal from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in 1946, the school moved to Winston-Salem in 1956. Much of the R.J. Reynolds family estate was used as the site for the school.

Academically, WFU is known for its highly-ranked graduate programs in the School of Medicine, School of Law, and School of Business. The university has a strong study abroad and athletics program.

Enrollment: ~5,400 undergraduate students

Mascot: The Demon Deacon

Student-Staff Ratio: 11 to 1

Rankings: 2024 No. 3 Best College in North Carolina (U.S. News & World Report) and 2024  No. 47 Best University in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report)

Forsyth Technical Community College

Forsyth Tech was founded in 1960 as the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Industrial Education Center, offering courses like automotive mechanics, electronics, and practical nursing. The college now has grown to include more than 175 programs, which include 66 certificate programs and 21 online programs.

The college offers free or partial tuition for students from households making $80,000 or less, and it is adding women’s volleyball and men’s basketball teams for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Enrollment: ~10,500 undergraduate students

Mascot: Blaze the Grey Fox

Student-Faculty Ratio: 12 to 1

Rankings: 2024 Achieving the Dream Leader College (Achieving the Dream)

University of North Carolina School of the Arts

UNCSA was founded in 1965 as the North Carolina School of the Arts, America’s first public arts conservatory. The school later became part of the University of North Carolina system in 1972.

UNCSA’s five schools include Dance, Design & Production, Drama, Filmmaking, and Music. The school has many reputable alumni, some of which have been nominated for and won prestigious awards in the Emmys, Grammys, and Tonys.

Enrollment: ~1,000 undergraduate students

Mascot: The Fighting Pickle

Student-Faculty Ratio: 9 to 1

Rankings: 2024 No. 3 Drama School in the World (The Hollywood Reporter), 2023 No. 11 Film School in the U.S. (The Wrap), and 2024 No. 2 Best Small College in North Carolina (Niche)

Carolina University

Carolina University is a private Christian university that was founded in 1945 as Piedmont Bible Institute. From 2003 to 2018, six other Christian colleges and universities merged with the school, and in 2020, the school changed its name to Carolina University.

Most recently, CU announced it will be moving its campus to Hanesbrands former headquarters in 2025 to accommodate the growing student body.

Enrollment: ~300 students

Mascot: Baron the Bruin

Student-Faculty Ratio: 8 to 1

Rankings: 2024 No. 91 Best College for Religious Studies in the U.S. (Niche)

Salem College

Founded in 1772, this college is the oldest educational institution for women in the United States. The college was created by the Moravians, the original European settlers in this region of North Carolina, who believed it was important for both men and women to be educated.

In 2024, Salem College received the largest amount of applicants in its history: more than 1,900 students applied.

Enrollment: ~500 students

Mascot: The Salem Spirits

Student-Faculty Ratio: 8 to 1

Rankings: 2023 No. 24 Liberal Arts College in the U.S. (Washington Monthly) and 2024 No. 2 in Top Performers on Social Mobility in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report)