Wake Forest University

Last updated: April 13, 2026 Source: College Scorecard

Wake Forest University is a private non-profit institution located in Winston-Salem, NC, offering 85 distinct degree programs across various fields of study. The institution maintains a strong graduation rate of 90.87%, demonstrating a commitment to student success and completion. Financial aid significantly reduces the cost of attendance, with the average net price after aid at $28,746.

Key Facts

  • 2024 Undergraduate Tuition: $64,758
  • 2024 Average Net Price: $28,746 After Financial Aid
  • 2024 Acceptance Rate: 21.56% Selective
  • 2024 Enrolled Students: 5,471 N/A% Full-Time
  • 2024 Graduation Rate: 90.87%
  • Average SAT Score: 1469

Costs

Tuition Costs

$64,758
2024 Undergraduate Tuition

In 2024, the cost of tuition at Wake Forest University was $64,758.

Tuition comparison with similar institutions.

Average Net Price

$28,746
2024 Value

In 2024 Wake Forest University had an average net price — the price paid after factoring in grants and loans — of $28,746.

Average net price comparison with similar institutions.

Total Cost of Attendance

$114,984 Estimated 4-Year Total Cost

$28,746 Average Annual Net Price (after aid)

$259,032 4-Year Tuition

Costs include tuition and fees. Room & board, books, and other expenses are additional.

4-year total cost breakdown for Wake Forest University.

Financial Aid by Income Level

9.49% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Grants

14.58% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Loans

Financial aid distribution by income level.

Student Loan Default Rate

Not reported
3-year cohort default rate (College Scorecard)

The published 3-year cohort default rate for borrowers at Wake Forest University was not reported in the College Scorecard extract for this institution.

Cohort default rates account for borrowers who default in the first three years.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

21.56% Acceptance Rate

This institution is highly selective, accepting fewer than 3 in 10 applicants.

Acceptance rate compared to national average.

Test Scores

SAT Average: 1469

Average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students.

Academic Requirements

Estimated GPA Range: 3.7 - 3.9

Estimated Median GPA: 3.85

Note: GPA requirements are estimated based on admission selectivity and test scores. Actual requirements may vary.

Estimated GPA and test score ranges.

Enrollment

Full-Time vs Part-Time Enrollment

N/A% Full-Time Enrollment

The total enrollment at Wake Forest University in 2024 is 5,471 students.

Full-time vs part-time enrollment comparison.

Retention Rate over Time

N/A%
2024 Retention Rate

Retention rate measures the number of first-time students who began their studies the previous fall and returned to school the following fall.

Retention rate over time compared to similar institutions.

Graduates & Outcomes

Time to Complete

86.71% 100% Completion Time

90.87% 150% Completion Time

In 2024, 86.71% of students graduating from Wake Forest University completed their program within 100% "normal time".

Completion rates over time compared to similar institutions.

ROI & Programs

Financial value and program information for Wake Forest University.

Return on Investment

$21,500 Median Student Debt

$78,158 Median Annual Earnings (10 years)

27.51% Debt-to-Earnings Ratio

579.73% Return on Investment

2.8 years Estimated Payback Period

Financial value analysis for Wake Forest University.

Top Programs by Completions

10 Programs Reporting Data

CIP 52.0201: 221 completions

CIP 52.1301: 161 completions

General Psychology: 157 completions

Law (JD): 156 completions

Communication and Media Studies: 155 completions

Social Sciences: 142 completions

CIP 51.1201: 141 completions

Economics: 137 completions

Finance, General: 133 completions

Other/Unknown Programs: 3,018 completions

Most popular programs at Wake Forest University.

Employment Outcomes

$67,722 Median Earnings (6 years after entry)

$80,513 Median Earnings (8 years after entry)

$78,158 Median Earnings (10 years after entry)

Earnings outcomes for Wake Forest University graduates.

About

Wake Forest University is a private non-profit institution located in Winston-Salem, NC, offering 85 distinct degree programs across various academic disciplines. The institution enrolls approximately 5,471 students. It is selective, with an admission rate of 21.56%. Average SAT scores for admitted students are 1469. The institution maintains a 90.87% graduation rate. Approximately 9.49% of students receive Pell Grants.

Institution Type

Private Non-profit

Location

Winston-Salem, NC 27106

Region: Southeast

Insights and Analysis

Exceptional Graduation Rate: With a 90.87% graduation rate, Wake Forest University demonstrates strong student retention and completion. This rate significantly exceeds the national average, indicating effective academic support and student services.

Diverse Program Offerings: With over 85 distinct degree programs, Wake Forest University provides students with a wide range of academic options. This diversity allows students to explore various fields and find programs that align with their interests and career goals.

Data Sources

This page uses data from the following sources:

  • College Scorecard - U.S. Department of Education
    • Institutional characteristics, costs, completion rates, and earnings data
    • Data years: 2015-2024
    • Source: collegescorecard.ed.gov
  • Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
    • Employment and wage data by occupation
    • Latest data: May 2024
    • Source: bls.gov/oes
  • O*NET Online - U.S. Department of Labor
    • Occupational skills, knowledge, abilities, and work activities
    • Database version: 28.0 (August 2023)
    • Source: onetcenter.org
  • IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) - National Center for Education Statistics
    • Institutional data, completions, enrollment, and financial aid
    • Data years: 2015-2024
    • Source: nces.ed.gov/ipeds
  • Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS)
    • Demographic and workforce data
    • Latest data: 2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates
    • Source: census.gov/acs

Data Processing: All data has been processed, cleaned, and aggregated for presentation. Where specific data points are unavailable, estimates are based on available data and clearly marked.

Last Updated: Data reflects the most recent available information as of January 2025.

Methodology

Data for this profile is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard dataset, which provides comprehensive information on institutions of higher education in the United States.

All financial figures are adjusted for inflation and represent the most recent available data. Graduation rates and completion times are calculated according to federal standards.