campus crossing

By: Michael Breedlove

agood 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.

With nearly 30,000 college students, Winston-Salem was recently named one of the “Top College Towns in the South” by Southern Living Magazine. The city features three standout universities, two unique colleges, and a prominent community college. Come along for a quick campus tour.

Salem College

Enrollment: 650

Mascot: Spirits

Salem College is a private liberal arts women's college situated in Old Salem, just south of downtown. It stands today as the oldest educational institute for women in the nation, having celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2022. Salem’s campus includes a mix of historic and modern facilities, from its stately Main Hall (built in 1772) to its state-of-the-art Student Center.

The college offers undergrad programs in 35+ majors as well as graduate programs in fields such as education, counseling, and music. With its small class size and strong Moravian roots, Salem prides itself on service and social justice.

Wake Forest University

Enrollment: 8,950

Mascot: Demon Deacons

Wake Forest University, founded in 1834, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the country. With its stately Georgian architecture and well-manicured lawns, it's long been considered one of the nation’s most picturesque campuses. Among the focal points is Wait Chapel, a landmark building overlooking Wake’s iconic Hearn Plaza (aka, “the Quad”). Academically, Wake Forest has a strong focus on liberal arts and emphasizes critical thinking across all disciplines. It also features nationally ranked graduate programs in business, law, medicine, and divinity. Beyond the classroom, students are encouraged to serve others and embody the school’s long-held motto “Pro Humanitate” (For Humanity).

WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY

Enrollment: 5,200

Mascot: Rams

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) is a public HBCU whose 117-acre campus sits a mile east of downtown. Founded in 1892, WSSU is known for its strong programs in healthcare, education, and STEM fields, offering more than 40 majors and several prestigious graduate programs, particularly in nursing and occupational therapy. In addition to its excellent academic reputation, WSSU has a long-standing tradition of excellence in athletics as a longtime member of the CIAA conference with several national championships to its credit.

Unc School Of The Arts

Enrollment: 1,350

Mascot: Fighting Pickles

UNC School of the Arts (UNCSA) was founded in 1963 as America's first public arts conservatory. Its rolling 80acre campus sits a mile south of downtown in the Historic Washington Park neighborhood. Degrees are offered in five key areas — dance, drama, filmmaking, music, and design. The faculty is made up of professional artists who are active in their respective fields, and many UNCSA grads have gone on to become award-winning musicians, actors, and filmmakers. In addition to on-campus productions, the school holds dozens of performances in the community each year, highlighted by its beloved rendition of The Nutcracker each December.

Carolina University

Enrollment: 990

Mascot: Bruins

Carolina University, formerly known as Piedmont International University, is a private Christian college located in the southwest corner of downtown near Truist Stadium. Having doubled its enrollment in recent years, the university emphasizes Christian values, spiritual growth, and worldview integration in all areas of study. Degrees are offered in subjects such as ministry, counseling, education, and music.

Forsyth Tech Community College

Enrollment: 19,000

Mascot: Trailblazers

Forsyth Tech was founded in 1960 and has since grown to become one of the largest community colleges in North Carolina. Located along Silas Creek Parkway, Forsyth Tech offers a myriad of academic programs, including associate degrees and technical diplomas. In addition, the school features a number of continuing education and workforce development programs for adults, including customized training courses for local businesses.