Winston-Salem is home to world class institutions for higher learning and there's a lot happening on campus. Keep reading to learn what makes these colleges + universities special.

Wake Forest University

School start date: Monday, Aug. 25
Homecoming date: Friday, Oct. 24-Sunday, Oct. 26

The private university relocated from Wake Forest, NC in 1956. Its ~9,100 student body population has more than 50 majors to choose from. The campus hosts events that the community can also take part in, like the Face to Face Speaker Forum and TEDxWakeForestU.

The Wake Forest University School of Medicine is a leading research institution and is launching a new Translational Eye and Vision Research Center in Innovation Quarter. The school also opened a new academic campus for the medical students, The pearl, in Uptown Charlotte (hey, CLTtoday) in June 2025.

Winston-Salem State University

School start date: Monday, Aug. 18
Homecoming date: Sunday, Oct. 12-19

Simon Green Atkins founded Slater Industrial Academy, which would become WSSU, in 1892. The school has been named No.1 HBCU in NC for top public colleges and universities based on the 2025 U.S. News & World Report. Its newly established Quantum Information Science and Engineering Program could impact the future of the US economy and national security.

The Rams recently welcomed their first permanent female chancellor in the university's history.

Forsyth Technical Community College

School start date: Monday, Aug. 18

The community college has grown to nine campus locations in and around Winston-Salem since its founding in 1960. The school is one of 10 Leader Colleges in the US, which recognizes its commitment to equity and economic mobility. Strategic partnerships and involvement with Forsyth Works keep the local workforce competitive.

Forsyth Tech plans to expand its main campus on Silas Creek Parkway to better serve students and launched an athletics program. Take a look at the game schedules at home.

Salem College will welcome 179 new, full-time students to campus this fall. | Photo by Salem College.

Salem College

School start date: Monday, Aug. 18
Reunion Weekend: Friday, Apr. 17-Saturday, Apr. 18, 2026

Founded in 1772, the private school is the oldest educational institution for girls and women in the US. It began transforming into a liberal arts college focused on health leadership in 2021. The school is currently looking for its next president after Summer McGee resigned from the position in June 2025. You don't want to miss its annual Health Leadership, featuring women leaders and innovators in their respective fields.

Works are in place for a hotel and restaurant on campus, which will also serve as a wedding or event venue. Proceeds from the hotel will support scholarships and strategic investments for the institution. The new additions are slated to open to the public in 2027.

UNC School of the Arts

School start date: Monday, Aug. 18
Homecoming date: Friday, Oct. 10-Sunday, Oct.12

The public university opened in 1965 as the first public arts conservatory in the US. The professional school trains high school, undergraduate, and graduate students in the performing, visual, and moving image arts. Programs for dance and drama have been nationally ranked + alumni are frequently nominated for industry awards.

The university's beloved Stevens Center, where student and professional performances delight audiences year-round, is currently undergoing renovations.

Carolina University

School start date: Monday, Aug. 18

The private university, which was known as Piedmont International University until 2020, is a member of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. All courses are held over seven weeks and are available online. Students can receive doctorates, master's, bachelor's, and associate degrees from six schools.