Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Winston Salem, North Carolina |
| Online | wfu.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Midsize City |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Wake Forest University, located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, occupies a suburban campus characterized by Georgian-style architecture and wooded grounds. Founded in 1834 and relocated to its current location in 1956, the university maintains its historical connection to the Baptist church while operating as an independent institution. The university combines a core liberal arts curriculum with graduate programs in law, medicine, and business, and maintains highly selective undergraduate admissions standards. Wake Forest is particularly recognized for its pre-medical program, business school, and communication department, while requiring all undergraduate students to live on campus for their first three years. As a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference, Wake Forest competes in Division I athletics, with its Demon Deacons teams particularly known for achievements in basketball and field hockey.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Wake Forest is rated within the top 10% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 10 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Wake Forest University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#44 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#44 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#3 in Best Colleges in North Carolina
#3 in Best Private Colleges in North Carolina
#50 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#4 in Best Value Colleges in North Carolina
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1390/1510 |
| ACT | 32/34 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 1, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very High |
| Application Fee | $85 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,630 |
| Other Fees | $1,150 |
| Room and Board | $17,848 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,320 |
| Total One Year Cost | $87,556 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 21% |
| Social Sciences | 20% |
| Communication | 8% |
| Biology | 7% |
| Psychology | 7% |
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Students considering Wake Forest are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Wake Forest University.
- How to schedule a tour during a busy week?
- Are test-optional schools less competitive?
- Which are the toughest colleges to get into in North Carolina?
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=199847 IPEDS survey data for Wake Forest University.
Current students may use the Wake Forest University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025