Wake Forest University, founded in 1834, is a prestigious private university in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, known for its exceptional undergraduate teaching and strong professional schools. Wake Forest's liberal arts core curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and communication skills, with particular strengths in business, law, and medicine. The university's Reynolda Campus features a mix of Georgian and modern architecture, including the innovative Wake Downtown health sciences campus. Wake Forest's student-faculty ratio of 11:1 fosters close mentoring relationships.
The university's Pro Humanitate motto inspires a culture of service, reflected in programs like the Institute for Public Engagement. Wake Forest's NCAA Division I athletics, especially basketball, foster strong school spirit. The university's alumni network includes CEOs, senators, and leaders in diverse fields who credit Wake Forest with preparing them for lives of purpose and impact. Wake Forest's blend of Southern tradition and academic rigor creates a distinctive educational experience.
Wake Forest University Acceptance Rate
Wake Forest University is one of the renowned universities in the USA. It is very competitive to get admission to. The acceptance rate of Wake Forest University is 21.37%. This means that only 21 out of every 100 applicants are admitted.
How Competitive are Wake Forest University Admissions?
- Highly Competitive: Applicants need strong academics and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.
With one of the lowest acceptance rates in the US, you need to be excellent in every area to get selected. However, since the acceptance rate is not below 10%, you still have a chance if your GPA is not perfect. You can make up for a GPA deficiency by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses. Meeting Wake Forest University\'s GPA and standardized test (SAT/ACT) requirements is crucial, as failing to do so may prevent your application from moving forward. These requirements act as automatic filters, so meeting them is vital; failing to do so makes your chance of getting in nearly zero.
Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can enhance your admission chances.
Wake Forest University Admission Requirements
Can I Get Into Wake Forest University Without SAT Or ACT?: Wake Forest University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Wake Forest University SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
Wake Forest University Profile
Name: Wake Forest University
City: Winston-Salem
URL: www.wfu.edu/
State: North Carolina
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 27106
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
How much does a degree from Wake Forest University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Wake Forest University is USD: 79776. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Wake Forest University is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
8.72% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 16.06 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Wake Forest University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Wake Forest University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Wake Forest University as your choice in the form.
How much a Wake Forest University Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the Wake Forest University graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 78158. An average Wake Forest University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Anthropology
- Area Studies
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Business/Commerce, General
- Chemistry
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer Science
Frequently Asked Questions About Wake Forest University Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $78158 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee for Wake Forest University?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $79776 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship at Wake Forest University?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are lower, 50% or less. It's important to apply early and showcase a strong academic profile.
Question: What is the acceptance rate for Wake Forest University?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Wake Forest University is 21.37 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: Is it possible to transfer to Wake Forest University from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer to Wake Forest University each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: What is the campus culture like at Wake Forest University?
Answer: The campus culture at Wake Forest University is diverse and vibrant, with numerous student organizations, sports teams, and cultural activities. It’s an ideal environment for personal growth and building lifelong connections.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting into Wake Forest University?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Wake Forest University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.