Wake Forest vs. Cedarville University

Comparable Facts

Compare Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC with Cedarville University in Cedarville, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Wake Forest University is larger than Cedarville University based on total student enrollment (9,322 students vs. 6,318 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wake Forest University is located in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting); Cedarville University is in Cedarville, OH (Town Fringe setting).
• Wake Forest University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cedarville University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wake Forest University 10:1; Cedarville University 14:1.

Wake Forest vs. Cedarville University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wake Forest or Cedarville University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Wake Forest University than Cedarville University ($24,401 vs. $27,150).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cedarville University are 48.2% lower than at Wake Forest University ($9,574 vs. $18,494).
• Wake Forest University is 82.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cedarville University (about $30,492 more per year; $67,642.00 vs. $37,150.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 82.1% higher at Wake Forest than at Cedarville University (about $30,492 more per year; $67,642.00 vs. $37,150.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cedarville University than at Wake Forest University (100% vs. 35%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wake Forest University students is 184.6% larger than aid received by Cedarville University students ($63,117 vs. $22,177).

Wake Forest vs. Cedarville University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Wake Forest or Cedarville University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Cedarville University and Wake Forest.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wake Forest University (1470) is 220 points higher than at Cedarville University (1250).
• Incoming Wake Forest students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 25 at Cedarville University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wake Forest University 1410/1520; Cedarville University 1130/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wake Forest University 32/34; Cedarville University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wake Forest - Test optional; Cedarville University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wake Forest Jan 1, 2027.
• Cedarville University has a higher acceptance rate (65.3%) than Wake Forest (21.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.1% at Wake Forest vs. 34% at Cedarville University.

Wake Forest vs. Cedarville University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wake Forest and Cedarville University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Wake Forest University's six-year graduation rate (88%) is higher than Cedarville University's (68%).
• Graduates from Wake Forest University earn a median of about $31,300 more per year than Cedarville University graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,200 vs. $45,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cedarville University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Wake Forest graduates ($22,500 vs. $23,000).
• Among borrowers, Cedarville University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wake Forest graduates ($232 vs. $237).
• More Wake Forest graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cedarville University students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 86%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.