Wake Forest University
About Wake Forest University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Wake Forest University is a private research university in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It is known for its strong programs in business, law, medicine, and the liberal arts, and its beautiful Reynolda Campus. Wake Forest competes in the ACC.
Founded
1834
Location
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Students
9,317
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
21.7%
Very selective
Graduation Rate
89.2%
Above national average
Tuition
$67,642
Per year
Avg Net Price
$28,719
After financial aid
SAT Average
1475
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$78,158
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Highly Selective
About 5 students apply for every seat
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$85
Early
Nov 15
Regular
Jan 1
Wake Forest University admits about 21.7% of applicants, with an average SAT around 1475. Strong academics are a must, and your essays and activities will make the difference.
SAT Scores
1475/ 1600
ACT Scores
33/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
89.2% complete their degree within six years
Retention
92.6%
4-Year Grad
86%
6-Year Grad
90%
Teaching Quality
10:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
75.6%
$/Student
$35.7K
Class Size
Small
86% of students graduate on time, and with a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, it's clear students get the personal attention they need to succeed.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$67,642
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$18,494
Books & Supplies
$1,680
Total Cost of Attendance
$87,499
After Financial Aid
$28,719
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$6,525
Receive Grants
10.1%
Take Loans
14%
Don't let the $67,642 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $28,719 after financial aid, a 58% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $6,525.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Wake Forest University fund their education.
While in School
10.1%
Get Grants
Free money
14%
Take Loans
Must repay
$94,263
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$21,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$228/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 14% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $21,500. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Wake Forest University.
Gender
55.2%
Female
45%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
5,485
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
3,832
Graduates
12%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
0.2%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 55% of the student body. 5.8% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
5,485
Students
private
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Beautiful, intimate campus with magnolia-lined quads
- +Winston-Salem is affordable and welcoming
- +Strong mentorship culture with small class sizes
- +Division I athletics with passionate Demon Deacon fans
Cons
- -Winston-Salem is not an exciting city for students
- -Greek life plays a major role socially
- -Small student body limits anonymity
- -Expensive tuition for a mid-size Southern school
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Wake Forest University fields 9 varsity teams with 551 student athletes, about 10% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Atlantic Coast
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
551
10% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
60% / 40%
333
Men
218
Women
7
Men's Teams
7
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Wake Forest Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$78,158
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Finance and Financial Management Services
$86K
156 grads
1yr Earnings
Communication and Media Studies
$42K
124 grads
1yr Earnings
Business/Commerce, General
$77K
120 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$35K
119 grads
1yr Earnings
Political Science and Government
$47K
119 grads
1yr Earnings
Economics
$56K
110 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $68K at six years, $69K at eight, and $78K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Wake Forest University
What is the acceptance rate at Wake Forest University?▾
How much does Wake Forest University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Wake Forest University?▾
How much do Wake Forest University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.