Wake Forest vs. South Carolina State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC with South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Wake Forest University is larger than South Carolina State University based on total student enrollment (9,322 students vs. 3,242 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wake Forest University is located in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting); South Carolina State University is in Orangeburg, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Wake Forest University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. South Carolina State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wake Forest University 10:1; South Carolina State University 19:1.

Wake Forest vs. South Carolina State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wake Forest or South Carolina State 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 South Carolina State University than Wake Forest ($17,965 vs. $24,401).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Carolina State University are 51.3% lower than at Wake Forest University ($9,000 vs. $18,494).
• Wake Forest University is 511.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than South Carolina State University (about $56,582 more per year; $67,642.00 vs. $11,060.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 211% higher at Wake Forest than at South Carolina State University (about $45,892 more per year; $67,642.00 vs. $21,750.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at South Carolina State University than at Wake Forest University (95% vs. 35%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wake Forest University students is 445.1% larger than aid received by South Carolina State University students ($63,117 vs. $11,579).

Wake Forest vs. South Carolina State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Wake Forest or South Carolina State 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 South Carolina State University and Wake Forest.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wake Forest University (1470) is 540 points higher than at South Carolina State University (930).
• Incoming Wake Forest students have a 16 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 17 at South Carolina State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wake Forest University 1410/1520; South Carolina State University 800/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wake Forest University 32/34; South Carolina State University 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wake Forest - Test optional; South Carolina State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wake Forest Jan 1, 2027; South Carolina State University Jul 31, 2027.
• South Carolina State University has a higher acceptance rate (82.6%) than Wake Forest (21.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.1% at Wake Forest vs. 11.4% at South Carolina State University.

Wake Forest vs. South Carolina State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wake Forest and South Carolina State 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 South Carolina State University's (35%).
• Graduates from Wake Forest University earn a median of about $46,200 more per year than South Carolina State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,200 vs. $31,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wake Forest University graduates have a $10,205 lower median loan debt than South Carolina State University graduates ($23,000 vs. $33,205).
• Among borrowers, Wake Forest graduates have an estimated $106 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Carolina State University graduates ($237 vs. $343).
• More Wake Forest graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former South Carolina State University students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 27%)

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.