Exploring Winston-Salem's College Scene

A good life often starts with a good education. It’s a belief the early Moravian settlers established in Winston-Salem centuries ago, and it’s one that continues to drive the city today. 

Recently named one of the top college towns in the South by Southern Living, Winston-Salem is home to more than 30,000 students across six colleges and universities. Each campus offers its own blend of history, personality and can’t-miss experiences, giving visitors a deeper look at the culture and spirit that have helped shape the city.

Salem College 

• Founded: 1772
• Enrollment: 650
• Mascot: Spirits
• Did You Know: Salem College is the oldest female college in America, dating back over 250 years.

Located within Old Salem, Salem College is a private women’s college known for its rich history and forward-thinking academics. The 57-acre campus blends historic charm with modern amenities, from stately Main Hall (built in 1856) to its cutting-edge Student Center. Salem offers more than 35 undergraduate majors, along with graduate programs in education, counseling, and music. Its liberal arts mission emphasizes health, service, leadership, and social justice—values woven into both curriculum and campus life.

See & Do: Visit the Single Sisters’ House Museum for a compelling look at early women’s education and Moravian history (free of charge). Then stroll the terraced grounds and explore the May Dell, a natural amphitheater with a brook-fed stream.

Wake Forest University

• Founded: 1834
• Enrollment:  9,350
• Mascot: Demon Deacons
• Did You Know: Wake was recently named to MSN’s list of “Top 10 Most Beautiful Campuses in the U.S.” It was also named "America's prettiest campus in the fall" by BestCollegeReviews.com

Originally founded nearly two centuries ago, Wake Forest relocated from North Carolina’s Triangle region to Winston-Salem in the 1950s. Today, it stands as one of the most prestigious and picturesque universities in the country, known for its Georgian architecture, tree-lined lawns, and liberal arts focus. In addition to 49 undergraduate majors, WFU also boasts top-ranked graduate programs in business, law, medicine, and divinity. All students are encouraged to embody the school's motto, 'Pro Humanitate' (for humanity)—a principle woven throughout the curriculum that calls them to use their time and talents to better the lives of others.

See & Do: Stroll through Hearn Plaza (“The Quad”), home to the campus bookstore, team store, and multiple landmarks (including iconic Wait Chapel). And don’t miss the Lam Museum of Anthropology, a small but fascinating cultural museum that’s free and open to the public.

Winston-Salem State University

• Founded: 1892
• Enrollment: 5,200
• Mascot: Rams
• Did You Know: In 1967, WSSU’s basketball team—led by Earl “The Pearl” Monroe—became the first HBCU to win an NCAA title.

One of the nation’s top-ranked HBCUs, Winston-Salem State spans 117 rolling acres just east of downtown. The university is known for its strong programs in healthcare, education, and STEM—particularly nursing—and was named the best “bang for your buck” among Southeastern HBCUs by Money magazine. It also boasts a storied athletics tradition as a longtime member of the CIAA. The campus is home to two iconic venues: Bowman Gray Stadium for football and the C.E. Gaines Center for basketball, named after legendary WSSU coach Clarence “Big House” Gaines.

See & Do: Walk past the Clocktower (above), WSSU’s central landmark, which is etched with quotes from civil rights leaders—including Maya Angelou. Then stop by the campus library to view the striking 30-foot murals by famed artist John Biggers that hang inside the atrium.

UNC School of the Arts

• Founded: 1963
• Enrollment: 1,150
• Mascot: Fighting Pickles
• Did you know: UNCSA's School of Filmmaking and School of Drama are both ranked among the top five in the nation per Hollywood Reporter.

Founded in 1963 as the nation’s first public arts conservatory, UNC School of the Arts trains students in five disciplines: dance, drama, filmmaking, music, and design and production. Its intimate, 80-acre campus hosts public performances, exhibitions, and screenings year-round. What truly sets UNCSA apart is its faculty: working artists who mentor the next generation of creatives. Alumni frequently appear on major stages and screens, including Anthony Mackie, Jada Pinkett Smith, Danny McBride, Margaret Qualley, and Mary-Louise Parker. In 2025, costume designer Paul Tazewell (Wicked, Hamilton) became the first Black man to win an Academy Award for Best Costume Design.

See & Do: Before your visit, check the UNCSA calendar for student performances ranging from symphony concerts to live theatre and more. While on campus, stroll through Studio Village (above)—a Hollywood-style backlot for student films—and catch a free screening at ACE Theatre.

Other Higher-Education Options

Carolina University

Formerly known as Piedmont International University, Carolina University is a private Christian college with programs rooted in spiritual development and a global worldview. The school, whose mascot is the Bruins, fields multiple athletic teams—including basketball, baseball, soccer, and esports. 

Currently located in West Salem, just southwest of downtown, the university is exploring a move to a larger campus—potentially the former Hanesbrands headquarters in northern Winston-Salem—after nearly doubling enrollment in recent years to more than 1,100 students.

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Forsyth Tech

Founded in 1960, Forsyth Technical Community College is one of North Carolina’s largest two-year institutions. It offers associate degrees, technical diplomas, and continuing education to more than 35,000 students each year. In 2025, Forsyth Tech launched its first intercollegiate athletics program, joining the NJCAA with teams in men’s basketball and women’s volleyball under the nickname “Trailblazers." Their mascot is a gray fox named Blaze.