WSSU named North Carolina’s only ‘Opportunity College’ by new Carnegie ranking

Winston-Salem State University has been named the only university in North Carolina – public or private – to earn the distinguished designation of Opportunity College by the Carnegie Classifications of Higher Education and the American Council on Education (ACE).

This prestigious recognition places WSSU among an elite group of institutions nationwide acknowledged for driving economic mobility and delivering transformative outcomes for students.

The newly established Student Access and Earnings Classification, released April 24, evaluates how well colleges and universities serve diverse student populations (access) and how effectively they position graduates for career success (earnings). Institutions that excel in both areas receive the top-tier Opportunity College designation.

WSSU is one of just eleven Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the nation – and the only university in North Carolina of any kind – to achieve this honor. This distinction underscores WSSU’s mission to open doors, break barriers and empower students to achieve their dreams.

“This designation is a powerful affirmation of the life-changing work we do at Winston-Salem State University,” said WSSU Chancellor Bonita J. Brown. “We are proud to stand as a national model for student access and economic advancement. WSSU consistently ranks among the top universities for social mobility, and this designation complements that legacy by confirming that we don’t just open doors, we help students walk through them and thrive. This recognition highlights not only the dedication of our faculty and staff but also the incredible drive and success of our students and alumni.”

At WSSU, nearly three-quarters of undergraduate students are first-generation college students or come from low-income backgrounds. Even with these challenges, WSSU graduates earn about 24 percent more than similar graduates across the state, showing how well the university prepares students for successful careers, according to Carnegie.

Dr. Michael McKenzie, interim provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, added:
“At WSSU, we don’t just hand students a diploma – we equip them with a passport to prosperity. This Opportunity College designation shouts what we already know: WSSU delivers. We meet students where they are, and we launch them into careers where they thrive. This is about real-world outcomes and changing life trajectories.”

Other HBCUs recognized as Opportunity Colleges include Howard University, Florida A&M University, Morehouse College, Spelman College, Albany State University, Alcorn State University, Tuskegee University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Hampton University, and Xavier University of Louisiana.