Financial Information

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Student Expenses

Winston-Salem State University is a publicly supported institution. Tuition payments and other required student fees meet only a part of the total cost of the education of students enrolled. On the average, for each full-time student enrolled in an institution of the University of North Carolina, the State of North Carolina appropriated $8,486 per year in public funds to support the educational programs offered.

Financial Responsibility

All charges for tuition and fees are due and payable at the time of registration, unless the student is enrolled in the university payment plan administered by Tuition Management Systems or has approved financial aid that is forthcoming. Nonpayment of tuition and fees shall result in grades and transcripts being held.

Additionally, the student will not be allowed to participate in early registration and will forfeit eligibility to participate in the Tuition Management System Plan for subsequent semesters. Work-study and work awards are paid as earned and cannot be used as an extension towards registration and entrance fees.

Undergraduates Fall

* Health Insurance optional with proof of insurance

University Fees are subject to change without prior notification

Tuition Surcharge

All new undergraduates seeking a baccalaureate degree entering the university beginning Fall 1994 are subject to the following requirement.

1. The Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina has established procedures that are necessary to impose a twenty five percent (25%) tuition surcharge on students who take more than 140 degree credit hours to complete a baccalaureate degree in a four-year program or more than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the credit hours necessary to complete a baccalaureate degree in any program officially designated by the Board of Governors as a five-year program.
2. No surcharge shall be imposed on any student who exceeds the degree credit hour limits within the equivalent of four academic years of regular term enrollment, or with five academic years of regular term enrollment in a degree program officially designated by the Board of Governors as a five-year program.

Some programs may require additional fees.

Note: all figures are based on 2007-2008 tuition and fees and are subject to change without notice. The university reserves the right to make, with the approval of proper authorities, changes in tuition and fees at any time.

The average cost of textbooks, laboratory manuals, supplies, and materials is $500.00 per semester. Students must make these purchases as required. These purchases are not included in tuition and fees. In addition to the above, all students should take into consideration the cost of clothing, snacks, recreation, laundry, etc., when estimating expenses for each semester.

Application Fee

A non-refundable application fee must accompany each application for admission.  

Residence Deposit

A $135.00 application fee is required to validate the contract for residence hall occupancy.

Residence Status for Tuition Purposes

The basis for determining the appropriate tuition charge rests upon whether a student is a resident or a nonresident for tuition purposes. Each student must make a statement as to the length of his or her residence in North Carolina, with assessment by the institution of that statement to be conditioned by the following.

Residence. To qualify as a resident for tuition purposes, a person must become a legal resident and remain a legal resident for at least twelve months immediately prior to classification. Thus, there is a distinction between legal residence and residence for tuition purposes. Furthermore, twelve months legal residence means more than simple abode in North Carolina. In particular, it means maintaining a domicile (permanent home of indefinite duration) as opposed to “maintaining a mere temporary residence or abode incident to enrollment in an institution of higher education.” The burden of establishing facts which justify classification of a student as a resident entitled to in-state tuition rates is on the applicant for such classification, who must show his or her entitlement by the preponderance (the greater part) of the residentiary information.

Initiative. Being classified a resident for tuition purposes is contingent on the student’s seeking such status and providing all information that the institution may require in making the determination.

Parents’ Domicile. If an individual, irrespective of age, has living parent(s) or court-appointed guardian of the person, the domicile of such parent(s) or guardian is, prima facie, the domicile of the individual; but this prima facie evidence of the individual’s domicile may or may not be sustained by other information. Further, non domiciliary status of parents is not deemed prima facie evidence of the applicant child’s status if the applicant has lived (though not necessarily legally resided) in North Carolina for the five years preceding enrollment or re-registration.

Effect of Marriage. Marriage alone does not prevent a person from becoming or continuing to be a resident for tuition purposes, nor does marriage in any circumstance ensure that a person will become or continue to be a resident for tuition purposes. Marriage and the legal residence of one’s spouse are, however, relevant information in determining residentiary intent. Furthermore, if both a husband and his wife are legal residents of North Carolina and if one of them has been a legal resident longer than the other, then the longer duration may be claimed by either spouse in
meeting the twelve-month requirement for in-state tuition status.

Military Personnel. A North Carolinian who serves outside the State in the Armed Forces does not lose North Carolina domicile simply by reason of such service. Students from the military may prove retention or establishment of residence by reference, as in other cases, to residentiary acts accompanied by residentiary intent.

In addition, a separate North Carolina statute affords tuition rate benefits to certain military personnel and their dependents even though not qualifying for the in-state tuition rate by reason of twelve months legal residence in North Carolina. Members of the Armed Services, while stationed in and concurrently living in North Carolina, may be charged a tuition rate lower than the out of- state tuition rate to the extent that the total of entitlements for application tuition costs available from the federal government, plus certain amounts based under a statutory formula upon the in-state tuition rate, is a sum less than the out-of-state tuition rate for the pertinent enrollment. A dependent relative of a service member stationed in North Carolina is eligible to be charged the in-state tuition rate while the dependent relative is living in North Carolina with the service member and if the dependent relative has met any requirement of the Selective Service System applicable to the dependent relative. These tuition benefits may be enjoyed only if the applicable requirements for admission have been met; these benefits alone do not provide the basis for receiving those derivative benefits under the provisions of the residence classification statute reviewed elsewhere in this summary.

Grace Period. If a person (1) has been a bona fide legal resident of the required duration, (2) has consequently been classified a resident for tuition purposes, and (3) has subsequently lost North Carolina legal residence while enrolled at a public institution of higher education, that person may continue to enjoy the instate tuition rate for a grace period of twelve months measured from the date on which North Carolina legal residence was lost. If the twelve months ends during an academic term for which the person is enrolled at a State institution of higher education, the grace period extends, in addition, to the end of that term. The fact of marriage to one who continues living outside North Carolina does not by itself cause loss of legal residence marking the beginning of the grace period.

Minors. Minors (persons under 18 years of age) usually have the domicile of their parents, but the residence classification statute in determining residence for tuition purposes recognizes certain special cases.

1. If a minor’s parents live apart, the minor’s domicile is deemed to be North Carolina for the time period(s) that either parent, as a North Carolina legal resident, may claim and does claim the minor as a tax dependent, even if other law or judicial act assigns the minor’s domicile outside North Carolina. A minor thus deemed to be a legal resident will not, upon achieving majority before enrolling at an institution of higher education, lose North Carolina legal residence if that person (1) upon becoming an adult “acts, to the extent that the person’s degree of actual emancipation permits, in a manner consistent with bona fide legal residence in North Carolina” and (2) “begins enrollment at an institution of higher education not later than the fall academic term following completion of education prerequisite to admission at such institution.”
2. If a minor has lived for five or more consecutive years with relatives (other than parents) who are domiciled in North Carolina and if the relatives have functioned during this time as if they were personal guardians, the minor will be deemed a resident for tuition purposes for an enrolled term commencing immediately after at least five years in which these circumstances have existed. If under this consideration a minor is deemed to be a resident for tuition purposes immediately prior to his or her eighteenth birthday, that person on achieving majority will be deemed a legal resident of North Carolina of at least twelve months duration. This provision acts to confer in-state tuition status even in the face of other provisions of law to the contrary; however, a person deemed a resident of twelve months duration pursuant to this provision continues to be a legal resident of the State only so long as he or she does not abandon North Carolina domicile.

Lost but Regained Domicile. If a student ceases enrollment at or graduates from an institution of higher education while classified a resident for tuition purposes and then both abandons and reacquires North Carolina domicile within a twelve-month period, that person, if he or she continues to maintain the reacquired domicile into re-enrollment at an institution of higher education, may re-enroll at the in-state tuition rate without having to meet the usual twelve-month duration requirement. However, any one person may receive the benefit of the provision only once.

Change of Status. A student admitted to initial enrollment in an institution (or permitted to re-enroll following an absence from the institutional program which involved a formal withdrawal from enrollment) must be classified by the admitting institution either as a resident or as a nonresident for tuition purposes prior to actual enrollment. A residence status classification once assigned (and finalized pursuant to any appeal properly taken) may be changed thereafter (with corresponding change in billing rates) only at intervals corresponding with the established primary divisions of the academic year.

Transfer Students. When a student transfers from one North Carolina public institution of higher education to another, he or she is treated as a new student by the institution to which he or she is transferring and must be assigned an initial residence status classification for tuition purposes.

Motor Vehicle Registration

All students and employees, whether full-time or part-time, must register vehicles driven on campus. No student or employee may register a vehicle that is not owned by him or her, his or her spouse, child, parent, or guardian. A vehicle is considered registered only when the permit is displayed. Vehicles may be registered between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Public Safety Department in the Old Maintenance Building.

Parking privileges are not granted to first year (freshman status) residential students due to limited availability of parking spaces. However a student whose parking need is extraordinary due to reasons of hardship or disability must provide documentation of such need before applying for a permit.

All university parking areas are zoned, reserved, and/or restricted. Parking is prohibited except in lots, streets and areas as signage indicates. Legal parking at all times is restricted to spaces marked for parking. All parked vehicles must display WSSU parking permits appropriate for the zone where parked. A pamphlet containing motor vehicle regulations and a campus map indicating parking zones and areas is provided to each person registering a vehicle at the time of registration. Persons who operate and park vehicles in violation of regulations are subject to citation and/or vehicle towing.

Remittances

All remittances should be made payable to Winston-Salem State University. Please indicate on your check or money order for whom payment is being made.  Checks accepted in payment of tuition and fees must be negotiable at face value upon receipt. Those checks not honored by the payee’s bank will be subject to immediate collection. Failure to comply with this regulation will result in the cancellation of university services. A $25 processing fee will be charged for each check returned. The university reserves the right not to honor an individual’s check after one check has been returned as uncollectible.

Withdrawal from the University

A student who officially withdraws from the university on or before the first day of classes will receive 100% refund of tuition and fees. A student withdrawing after the first day of classes will receive a pro rata refund as follows:

Exception: Charges are refundable by administrative action on a prorated basis for the unexpired portion of the term for the following reasons: death of the student, withdrawal for adequate medical reasons as certified by the University student health center or family doctor, or death in the immediate family which necessitates student withdrawal. Appropriate documentation must be provided to the Registrar. No adjustment of fees will be processed for students dismissed or suspended from the institution for disciplinary reasons. Room and board refunds will be prorated on a weekly basis for the unused weeks remaining in the semester through the thirteenth (13th) week, as of the actual week of withdrawal.

The Director of Housing and Residence Life, in consultation with the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, will have the authority to decide whether students who have entered into a contractual agreement to live in WSSU residence halls, and have been suspended or dismissed from the University, will receive a refund.

The date of withdrawal from the residence hall shall be the date that the student returns his/her keys to the Residence Hall Administrator and/or the Office of Residence Life. The date of withdrawal for the purposes of board plan refunds is the actual date the withdrawal form is signed by the Ram Card Administrator, at which time the Ram Card is collected and deactivated. Note: No refunds will be given for withdrawal after the thirteenth (13th) week of the semester.

Status Changes from Full-Time to Part-Time Student

Students who drop below full-time status will receive financial credit for courses dropped on or before the add period ends. No credit will be given for classes dropped after this date.

Student Refunds

Any credit balance as a result of an overpayment will be available for pick-up or direct deposit on Fridays of each week. Refunds for part-time students will not be available until after the add period has ended and all financial aid adjustments have been made.

Financial Aid

The Office of Financial Aid promotes and coordinates access to a full range of financial aid programs designed to support student’s enrollment and advancement at the University.

Objective: Winston-Salem State University is interested in students with ability and ambition. Its primary objective is to offer appropriate educational programs to those in its service area while providing a climate which will motivate intellectual and moral growth. The University makes every effort within its means to provide financial assistance to capable and promising students who otherwise would be unable to attend. Lack of adequate funds to meet the necessary expenses should not bar a student who deserves to attend college from realizing that desire. This assistance is designed to supplement what the student and the student’s family is able to contribute toward expenses. In keeping with the philosophy and objectives of the University, the Financial Aid Office serves as a student resource coordinating agency that promotes access to post-secondary education for eligible students through counseling and timely financial assistance.

Financial Aid Eligibility Requirements

A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be submitted by the established deadline dates each year, and the following requirements must be met:

1. Students must have been accepted for admission or must be enrolled as a regular degree-seeking student. Special, visiting, conditional or similar students are not eligible for financial aid.
2. Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.
   Pursuant to the University’s Probation and Suspension Policy, all students (including transfers) matriculating in a degree program at WSSU are considered eligible for financial aid except students readmitted to the institution following academic suspension.
3. Students must demonstrate the need for financial assistance.
4. All (continuing, new and transfer) students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to establish eligibility for all financial aid programs. Applications should be completed at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
5. Financial Aid Review Sheets for summer school are available March 1- April 15 for students interested in applying for financial assistance (funds may be limited for summer).

Note: Review and Award Periods. All financial aid is awarded on an annual basis, and no award implies automatic renewal from year to year. A new FAFSA application must be submitted by the established deadline dates each year. All forms should be completed accurately and honestly. All information students provide is held in strict confidence.

Statement of Satisfactory Academic Progress

Financial aid recipients are expected to make reasonable progress as a condition of receiving and continuing to receive student financial aid. Recipients must maintain a minimum grade point average, meet exceed the required completion rate, and not exceed the maximum allowable attempted hours.

Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average

The chart below indicates the minimum grade point average required to meet satisfactory progress standards:

Note: Cumulative Grade Point Average used for purposes of this policy is calculated by Winston-Salem State University Salem in accordance with established policy and procedure.

Overall completion rate

Completion rates reflect the rate at which students earn credit for courses attempted (e.g., a student earning credit for nine of twelve attempted hours would have a 75% completion rate). A student must maintain a standard rate of completion of 67% as he or she moves through the degree program in order to graduate within the maximum time frame. The 10th day class listing is used to determine a student’s attempted hours.

Students Exceeding 150%

Students who have exceeded 180 hours or 150% of the hours needed to complete their degree of study are ineligible for financial aid. Students may have their coursework reviewed through submission of an appeal and a graduation plan. The Director of Financial Aid or designee will carefully review the student’s official transcript to determine the following:

1. Any developmental or remedial coursework
2. Change in major
3. Officially recognized dual major
4. Extenuating circumstances that warrant consideration

Winston-Salem State University Scholarship Opportunities

Winston-Salem State University offers full and partial scholarships to qualified students. Priority will be given to students accepted by November 30th of their senior year. Qualified students applying after the priority date will continue to be considered as long as funds are available. Generally, scholarship awards are made by March. Visit the University’s website at www.wssu.edu to apply for admissions online, scholarship application information and secure additional information about WSSU.

Marshall B. Bass Scholarship Biology or Psychology

This scholarship is offered to entering freshmen who are North Carolina residents. The student must have at least a 3.5 cumulative high school grade point average, 1100 or above on the SAT or  24 on the ACT, and rank in the top one-half of his/her high school graduating class. This award is renewable up to three years if the student maintains a 3.4 grade point average, enrolls in at least 15 credit hours per semester and is pursuing his/her first degree. This scholarship pays for full tuition and fees, full room and board, and books. Students also are awarded membership into the Winston- Salem State University Residential Honors Program. .

Chancellor Scholarship All Majors

This scholarship is offered to entering freshmen who possess a 3.5 cumulative high school grade point average, 1100 or above on the SAT or 24 on the ACT, and rank in the top one-half of their high school graduating class. This award is renewable up to three years if the student maintains a 3.4 grade point average and enrolls in at least 15 credit hours per semester. The scholarship pays for full tuition and fees, full room and board, and $500 for books. Students also receive full membership into the Winston-Salem State University Residential Honors Program.

STEM Scholarship (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math Program) Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science

This scholarship is offered to entering freshmen who possess at least a 3.5 cumulative high school grade point average, 1050 or above on the SAT or 23 on the ACT, and rank in the top one-half of their high school graduating class. This award is renewable up to three years if the student maintains a 3.4 grade point average, enrolls in at least 15 credit hours per semester and is pursuing  his/ her first degree. This scholarship pays for full tuition and fees, full room and board, and $500 for books. Students also receive full membership into the Winston-Salem State University Residential Honors Program.

Athletics

Students interested in Athletic Scholarships should contact the Department of Athletics at 336-750-2141.

Chang Scholars Program Accounting, Management, Information Systems, Economics

This scholarship is offered to entering freshmen. Candidates must have a cumulative high school grade point average of at least 3.00, 1000 or above on SAT or 22 on the ACT and rank in the top 30 percent of their high school class. This academic scholarship is renewable.

Other Scholarship Opportunities

The university offers a number of additional scholarship opportunities annually. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information at 336-750-2070 or 800-257-4052.