10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Winston-Salem, NC 2026

Learn about the biggest and best colleges near Winston-Salem, North Carolina, as well as how to choose the right school for you and how to pay for your degree.

Whether you want to move to a nearby large city to find work after graduation or want to find a good college near your hometown just outside of Winston-Salem, there are plenty of opportunities for higher education if you know where to look.

Here's a list of some of the greatest colleges near Winston-Salem, North Carolina that provide popular degree programs for students in the state.

Featured Colleges In and Near Winston-Salem, NC

Winston-Salem is home to a large number of public and private colleges, including some that are named after the town itself.

Check out the seven best colleges in and near Winston-Salem, North Carolina below.

1. Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) is a historically black public university that's part of the University of North Carolina system.

It's accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees.

In addition to a formal education, WSSU focuses on providing the creative thinking, analytical problem-solving, and depth of character students need to thrive in their community after graduation.

Some of the most popular degree programs offered by WSSU include nursing, biology, business administration, general studies, psychology, and criminal justice.

2. Salem College

Accredited by the SACSCOC, Salem College is a private liberal arts college for women in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Men over the age of 23 can be admitted to the continuing education program or graduate programs.

Today, Salem College is best known for its dedication to helping women achieve integral roles in health leadership through programs like health communication, nonprofit management and community leadership, public health, and pre-professional programs in law or healthcare. This college offers 26 majors and 32 minors overall.

3. Wake Forest University

Originally located in Raleigh, Wake Forest University (WFU) is a private research university currently located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina that caters to both undergraduate and graduate students in multiple fields of study.

Through its six colleges and schools, WFU offers over 50 majors and 60 minors in subjects like accounting, biochemistry, business, computer science, engineering, history, philosophy, sociology, and writing.

WFU has an 11 to one student-faculty ratio, as well as classes with under 50 students total, to help students get the focused, personalized education they need to succeed.

4. Carolina University

Carolina University, formerly Piedmont International University, is a private Christian university in Winston-Salem, North Carolina that provides online and residential programs to undergraduate, graduate, and dual enrollment students.

It's accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) and is a member of the American Association of Christian Schools (AACS).

Degree programs offered by this university include:

Biblical Studies (Bachelor's and Master's)
Business Administration (Bachelor's and Master's)
Computer Science (Bachelor's and Master's)
Criminal Justice (Bachelor's)
Education (Bachelor's and Master's)
Data Science (Master's)
Public Health (Bachelor's)

5. The University of North Carolina School of the Arts

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) is a public art school in Winston-Salem, North Carolina that's capable of granting high school diplomas, undergraduate degrees, and graduate degrees.

UNCSA offers programs in dance, design, drama, filmmaking, and music, and hosts multiple performances from students and professionals each month for public viewing.

The application and admission processes are different depending on the program type and what level of education a student is attempting, so be sure to check specific requirements for your program before applying at UNCSA.

6. Carolina Christian College

Carolina Christian College (CCC) is a specialized undergraduate institution in Winston-Salem, NC that prepares students for Christian ministries through a program that includes Biblical and theological studies, general education in arts and sciences, and professional studies.

It's accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education Commission on Accreditation (ABHECA).

At CCC, students are prepared for leadership roles that allow them to serve the Christian church around the world while being culturally sensitive and open to diverse people and experiences.

7. North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T) is a public, historically black research university in Greensboro, North Carolina, a town just under 30 miles from Winston-Salem.

As a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina system, NC A&T is primarily known for its science, technology, mathematics, and engineering (STEM) education programs and its strong support of African American education.

Some of its top programs include:

Psychology
Business Administration
Mechanical Engineering
Information Technology
Nursing

8. The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNC Greensboro) is a public research university in Greensboro, North Carolina that's part of the University of North Carolina system.

It's accredited by the SACSCOC to offer bachelor's, master's, doctorate, and specialist degrees.

UNC Greensboro offers more than 350 degree programs online and in person.

These include bachelor's and master's programs in accounting, art, biology, business administration, chemistry, communications, computer science, dance, economics, education, and more.

9. Bennett College

Bennett College is a private, historically black liberal arts college for women in Greensboro, North Carolina, which is a short drive from Winston-Salem.

It's accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and affiliated with the United Methodist Church.

Areas of study that women can pursue at Bennett College include the humanities, STEM, social and behavioral sciences, business, journalism, and social work.

10. High Point University

High Point University (HPU) is a private university in High Point, North Carolina. It is just 20 miles from Winston-Salem, which is affiliated with the United Methodist Church.

At HPU, students can get an education from one of 15 colleges or schools specializing in subjects like business, pharmacy, nursing, education, law, and engineering.

This university also has sports clubs, career and counseling services, religious life, and student engagement opportunities that help students become well-rounded members of the community.

What Is the Biggest School Near Winston-Salem, North Carolina?

Despite being a bit smaller than other colleges in terms of campus size, Wake Forest University is the largest college in Winston-Salem, North Carolina by enrollment, catering to nearly 9,000 students from 47 states and 48 different countries.

How To Choose the Right College Near Winston-Salem, North Carolina

With this many colleges near Winston-Salem, North Carolina, it can be hard to decide which is the best for you.

When choosing the right college for you, you should consider things like tuition cost, financial aid opportunities, housing options in the area or on campus, the degree options available, and what campus life is like, including desired clubs and community outreach.

By keeping costs and housing in mind, you ensure you're able to live, work, and study in the area.

With campus life, you're ensuring an enriching experience during your higher education.

Of course, the available degree programs may be the most important. After all, who would want to go to a college that doesn't have their desired major?

Paying for Your Degree Near Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Here are some of the ways that students can use financial aid to pay for their tuition at colleges in Winston-Salem, North Carolina:

With grants and scholarships, students are awarded money they don't have to pay back based on academic merit or financial need.

Work-study opportunities provide work related to a student's major that considers their school schedule.

Student loans provide money to students that has to be paid back but have specific terms that are favorable to students.

Start Your Degree Near Winston-Salem, North Carolina Today

Now that you know all about the colleges near Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and how to best afford them, it's time for you to use what you've learned to start your degree today so that you can make the most of your knowledge in a career tomorrow.