Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC · Large city
Admissions
- Acceptance rate (most recent year)
- 21.7%
- Applicants (fall 2023)
- 17,479
- Admitted (fall 2023)
- 3,768
- Enrolled freshmen (fall 2023)
- 1,385
- Yield (admitted who enroll)
- 37%
- Acceptance rate – women (fall 2023)
- 21%
- Acceptance rate – men (fall 2023)
- 22%
- SAT reading, middle 50%
- 700–750
- SAT math, middle 50%
- 710–770
- ACT composite, middle 50%
- 32–34
- Enrollees who sent SAT / ACT
- 26% / 22%
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey, fall 2023 entering class; test ranges and rate from U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release)
What they look at
- High school GPA
- considered
- High school class rank
- considered
- High school record (transcript)
- required
- College-prep program completed
- considered
- Recommendations
- required
- Demonstration of competencies
- not considered
- SAT/ACT scores
- considered
- English proficiency test (TOEFL etc.)
- required
- Other test
- not considered
- Work experience
- considered
- Personal statement or essay
- required
- Legacy status
- considered
“Considered” means the college uses it if you submit it, but it isn’t required.
What families actually pay
Average yearly net price (after grants and scholarships) for first-time, full-time students who got aid, by family income.
- Full sticker price (per year)
- $87,499
- Tuition & fees – in-state
- $67,642
- Tuition & fees – out-of-state
- $67,642
- Median debt at graduation
- $21,500
- Students with federal loans
- 14%
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release)
Outcomes
- Graduate within 6 years
- 89%
- Freshmen who return for year 2
- 93%
- Median earnings, 1 year after graduating
- $52,635
- Median earnings, 10 years after starting
- $78,158
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release)
Students & campus
- Undergraduates
- 5,485
- Graduate students
- 3,832
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- 10 : 1
- Women
- 55%
- Students receiving Pell grants
- 10%
- Full-time faculty
- 76%
Undergraduate diversity
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release)
Most popular majors
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (June 2026 release) (share of bachelor’s degrees awarded)
Contacts & links
- President
- Dr. Susan R. Wente
- Main phone
- (336) 758-5000
- Address
- 1834 Wake Forest Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27106
How to apply (2026–27)
| Plan | Apply by | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Early Decision (binding) | November 15 | rolling, end of each month in fall |
| Early Action | November 15 | January 15 (first-generation applicants |
| Early Decision II (binding) | January 1 | February 15 |
| Regular Decision | January 1 | around April 1 |
- Apply with
- Common App, Coalition/Scoir
- Application fee
- $85 (waivers available)
- SAT/ACT
- Optional
- Essays
- Supplemental questions optional (pick one)
- Recommendations
- 1 letter (counselor or teacher); optional counselor recommendation
Testing: SAT/ACT listed as optional application items
Financial aid policies
- Meets 100% of demonstrated need
- CSS Profile required (plus FAFSA)
- Merit scholarships: Very selective merit scholarships; apply by November 15 for consideration
- NC Gateway: tuition-free for NC families earning $200,000 or less
Source: the college’s official website and Common Data Set 2025-2026: admissions.wfu.edu, admissions.wfu.edu, admissions.wfu.edu, financialaid.wfu.edu. Dates can change, so always confirm on the college’s site.