Overview
With an impressively low student:faculty ratio, students receive individualized attention and mentorship from their professors at Wake Forest in NC. Wake Forest's beautiful campus features Reynolda Gardens and Reynolda Village, providing students with serene outdoor spaces and cultural attractions. Known for its strong programs in business, law, and medicine, Wake Forest offers a comprehensive liberal arts education with ample research and internship opportunities.
There are currently 5,471 undergraduates at Wake Forest and the school’s acceptance rate is 22%. The tuition at Wake Forest is $64,758.
University
City
SupplementalEssay
100% Need
Scholarships & Financial Aid
$87,556
$58,810
$28,746
Cost Breakdown
Estimated Cost:
$87,556The sticker price at Wake Forest is $87,556. This includes the cost of tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other miscellaneous expenses.
The cost of attendance can vary from year to year and will typically rise over your four years in college. That said, colleges will recalculate your financial aid every year to take price increases and changes in your financial situation into account.
College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at Wake Forest would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.
Wake Forest University Financial Aid
To apply for financial aid at Wake Forest University, you’ll need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year. That means you can submit the form even if you or your parents haven’t filed last year’s taxes.
The FAFSA code for Wake Forest University is 002978.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA, check out Scholarships360’s How to Complete the FAFSA Guide.
Using State Grants at Wake Forest
If you're a North Carolina resident with demonstrated financial need, be sure to look into state grants to help pay for Wake Forest. The state offers two major need-based grants: The NC Need-Based Scholarship for Private College Students and the NC Scholarship. Both are reserved for needy students, and the former is reserved for those attending private schools. Unlike scholarships, these do not involve selection committees or essays. If you meet the requirements and the funds have not been exhausted, you will receive the money.
Apply to these scholarships due soon
See more North Carolina scholarshipsWake Forest University’s 100% Need-Met Guarantee
Wake Forest meets 100% of admitted students’ financial need. Using the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile, they calculate your need and offer a combination of scholarships and federal loans to cover any costs you and your family cannot pay.
Stamps Scholarship at Wake Forest
Wake Forest participates in the Stamps Scholarship Program, which means that they offer recurring scholarships to select admitted students. These awards range between $6,000 to $90,000 per year. Many schools automatically consider admitted students for Stamps Scholarships. However, some schools have a separate application process; be sure to check Wake Forest's website for information on how to apply.
Pell Grants at Wake Forest University
9% of students at Wake Forest University receive Pell Grants.
The federal government awards Pell Grants to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need by filling out the FAFSA. Students with a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible. Pell Grants do not be repaid. If you receive a Pell Grant, the award amount should remain consistent at any college you gain admission to. You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
Students can use outside scholarships to supplement their financial aid package at Wake Forest. Outside scholarships are awards offered by private and non-profit organizations separate from their college. To browse vetted, reliable outside scholarships, check out our popular lists:
Admissions
22%
Coalition Colleges
Wake Forest is a Coalition Member College, which means they have completed a vigorous vetting process from the Coalition for College to ensure that they “provide substantial support to lower-income, under-resourced and/or first-generation students; offer responsible student financial aid; and demonstrate a commitment to student graduation.” That also means you can apply to Wake Forest via the Coalition Application. The Coalition Application makes it easy to obtain application fee waivers if you qualify. It’s also a great way to discover other colleges that have demonstrated a strong commitment to affordability and strong student outcomes.
Does Wake Forest have a supplemental essay?
Yes, Wake Forest University includes a supplemental essay in their application. Luckily, Scholarships360 has a free guide to help you answer Wake Forest's essay prompt and stand out in the application process.
Wake Forest Supplemental Essay Guide
Is Wake Forest test-optional?
Wake Forest University is test-optional, which means that applicants are permitted, but not required, to submit their standardized test scores. If you choose not to submit your scores, admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurriculars, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you aren’t sure whether to submit your standardized test scores, Scholarships360’s guide on whether to submit your test scores to test-optional schools can help.
Can students submit their SAT or ACT Superscore to Wake Forest?
Yes, applicants can submit their SAT or ACT Superscore when they apply to Wake Forest University. You should be able to find your superscore for either test on your student portal. Keep in mind that some colleges only allow Superscores for one of the two tests, so be sure to check their website for exact details on the Superscore policy.
Early Action
Early Decision I
Regular Decision
What is the application deadline at Wake Forest?
Students must apply by January 1 to enroll at Wake Forest during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.
At Wake Forest students also have the opportunity to apply Early Decision. In order to take advantage of this option, you’ll have to have your application in by November 15.
And if you’re considering applying Early Action at Wake Forest, remember that the deadline is November 15.
Academics
Student/Faculty Ratio
9:1
Graduation Rate
91%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Business, Management, & Marketing
26%
26% of graduates
Social Sciences
18%
18% of graduates
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
10%
10% of graduates
Communications & Journalism
8%
8% of graduates
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies
8%
8% of graduates
Psychology
8%
8% of graduates
Computer & Information Sciences
4%
4% of graduates
Mathematics
3%
3% of graduates
Engineering
3%
3% of graduates
English Language & Literature
2%
2% of graduates
Physical Sciences
2%
2% of graduates
Philosophy & Religious Studies
2%
2% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
1%
1% of graduates
History
1%
1% of graduates
Natural Resources & Conservation
1%
1% of graduates
Languages & Literatures
1%
1% of graduates
Education
1%
1% of graduates
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
5,471
Pell Grant 9%
Part-Time Undergrad Students 1%
Undergrad Students Over 25 0%
Percent Male / Female 45% / 55%
Ethnic Diversity at Wake Forest
64% White
10% Hispanic
8% International / Non-Citizen
7% Black
6% Multiracial
5% Asian / Pacific Islander
1% Unknown
Student Outcomes
Graduate Income
$78,158
Median Debt $21,500
Debt 10 years after graduation $228
Graduation Rate 91%
What is the graduation rate at Wake Forest University?
91% of students who start at Wake Forest University finish their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 33% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.
How much do graduates of Wake Forest University go on to earn?
The median income of students 10 years after starting at Wake Forest University is $78,158. This is $27,767 more than the national median.
This data is from the College Scorecard, which only surveys students from Wake Forest University who received federal financial aid.
Graduate earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Major and career path are two important factors in how much a student goes on to earn. For more information, check out Scholarships360’s article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at Wake Forest take out in loans?
Graduates of Wake Forest take out a median of $21,500 in federal student loans. This is $8,000 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, be sure to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Scholarships360’s guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.
Data Sources
We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.
If you represent Wake Forest University and would like to make any corrections or supplement your college profile with additional information, you can fill out our free Premium Profile questionnaire here.
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