Washington College vs. Wake Forest

Comparable Facts

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

Wake Forest University is larger than Washington College based on total student enrollment (9,322 students vs. 923 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Washington College is located in Chestertown, MD (Distant Town setting); Wake Forest University is in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting).
• Washington College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wake Forest University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Washington College 8:1; Wake Forest University 10:1.

Washington College vs. Wake Forest Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Washington College or Wake Forest? 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 Washington College ($24,401 vs. $29,830).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washington College are 1.3% lower than at Wake Forest University ($18,250 vs. $18,494).
• Wake Forest University is 22.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Washington College (about $12,316 more per year; $67,642.00 vs. $55,326.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.3% higher at Wake Forest than at Washington College (about $12,316 more per year; $67,642.00 vs. $55,326.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washington College than at Wake Forest University (100% vs. 35%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wake Forest University students is 45.1% larger than aid received by Washington College students ($63,117 vs. $43,485).

Washington College vs. Wake Forest Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Washington College or Wake Forest? 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 Wake Forest and Washington College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wake Forest University (1470) is 200 points higher than at Washington College (1270).
• Incoming Wake Forest students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 29 at Washington College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington College 1140/1390; Wake Forest University 1410/1520.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington College 27/31; Wake Forest University 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Washington College - Test optional; Wake Forest - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Washington College Feb 15, 2027; Wake Forest Jan 1, 2027.
• Washington College has a higher acceptance rate (56.9%) than Wake Forest (21.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at Washington College vs. 36.1% at Wake Forest.

Washington College vs. Wake Forest Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Washington College and Wake Forest? 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 Washington College's (75%).
• Graduates from Wake Forest University earn a median of about $26,400 more per year than Washington College graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,200 vs. $50,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wake Forest University graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Washington College graduates ($23,000 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Wake Forest graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Washington College graduates ($237 vs. $250).
• More Wake Forest graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Washington College students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 85%)

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.