Wake Forest University

78.8

College Consensus
•AVERAGE: 69

74.4

Publisher Consensus
•AVERAGE: 58.7

83.1

Student Consensus
•AVERAGE: 76.9

Publisher Ratings

U.S. News - National Universities

81.6

Washington Monthly National

67.2

Wall Street Journal

66.8

Forbes

Student Reviews

100

U.S. News - Reviews

83.2

Unigo

Grad Reports

My Plan

74.5

Niche

Scores last updated on January 6, 2024

21%

Percent Admitted

85%

4-year Graduation Rate

8,963

Enrollment

10.0:1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

$45,828

Average Undergraduate Students Aid

$62,128

In-State Tuition and Fees

$62,128

Out-of-State Tuition and Fees

= Average

Sector

Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above

Carnegie Classification

Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity

Religious Affiliation

Not applicable

Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

Wake Forest University, a private 4-year school was founded in 1834 in an area called the Forest of Wake, north of Raleigh. The creation of the school led to the building up of the town of Wake Forest. In 1946, as a result of a generous gift from the Z Smith Reynolds Foundation, the campus moved to Winston-Salem, NC (the move was completed in 1956). In 1962 it became the first major school in the south to desegregate. The 340 acre campus features traditional collegiate gothic style architecture and is located near historic Old Salem Village, a living history exhibit (similar to Colonial Williamsburg). Notable alumni of Wake Forest University include author Maya Angelou and professional golfer Arnold Palmer.

Academic Programs

Wake Forest University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges and offers Bachelor’s Degrees, post-baccalaureate Certificates, Master’s Degrees and Doctorates in over 40 fields. The University is comprised of the Undergraduate College and five Graduate and Professional schools (Graduate School, School of Business, School of Divinity, School of Law and School of Medicine). The university is noted for Theology, Nurse-Anesthesia and Teacher Education; the largest undergraduate programs are in Business and Social Sciences. The university also features a robust study abroad program (it is estimated that over 70% of undergraduate students take advantage of this opportunity). Per the Mission statement, “Wake Forest is a University dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in the liberal arts and in graduate and professional education. Its distinctiveness in its pursuit of its mission derives from its private, co-educational, and residential character; its size and location; and its Baptist heritage. Each of these factors constitutes a significant aspect of the unique character of the institution.”

Student Life

Wake Forest University enrolls over 4800 undergraduate students, most of whom live on campus in one of the 15+ residence communities ranging from traditional dormitories to apartments. There is also a strong Greek presence on campus. There are nearly 200 clubs and student organizations on campus including club sports and intramurals. For the varsity athlete, the old gold and black Demon Deacons field teams in 9 sports and participate in NCAA Division I-A competition. Annual traditions include ‘Wake N Shake’ – a fund raising activity for cancer research held in the gym and ‘Project Pumpkin’ – an annual partnership with the local community where kids are paired with students for trick or treating. Wake Forest University seeks to: Combine the intimacy of a liberal arts college with the academic vitality of an internationally recognized research institution; Emphasize student/faculty engagement within a dynamic academic community; Foster the discussion of ideas and issues, modes of expression, and artistic and cultural exchange; and Link intellectual curiosity with philosophical reflection, ethical deliberation, and a commitment to service.

School of Law