The New York Times names Winston-Salem State University as top school in NC for economic mobility

The New York Times names Winston-Salem State University as the number one school in North Carolina for economic mobility based on the people’s choice.

In 2023, the New York Times created the “Build Your Own College Rankings” tool. The interactive database is designed for people to select what matters most to them in an institution of higher education such as low cost for tuition and fees, the diversity of the student body, academic offerings, athletics, or making money after graduating.

Winston-Salem State University earned the top ranking for economic mobility. Economic mobility is measured by how schools help students from low-income families reach the upper classes. The New York Times says that “the specific income mobility measure we used was the probability that a student from a family in the bottom 40 percent of household income would eventually reach the top 40 percent.”

The factors weighed in determining the New York Times ranking included economic diversity, low sticker price, low net price and economic mobility.

The database includes nonprofit universities and colleges that have at least 500 students where more than 50 percent of students graduate within eight years. The final database contains nearly 900 four-year U.S. colleges and universities.

The New York Times ranking is in line with several other accolades WSSU has received for affordability, value, “best bang for the buck,” and promoting economic and social mobility for our students. Find out more at the WSSU Points of Pride page.

About Winston-Salem State University: Winston-Salem State University fosters the creative thinking, analytical problem-solving, and depth of character needed to transform the world. Rooted in liberal education, WSSU’s curriculum prepares students to be thought leaders who have the skills and knowledge needed to develop innovative solutions to complex problems. Founded in 1892, WSSU is a historically Black constituent institution of the University of North Carolina with a rich tradition of contributing to the social, cultural, intellectual, and economic growth of North Carolina, the region, and beyond. Guided by the motto, “Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve,” WSSU develops leaders who advance social justice by serving the world with compassion and commitment.