CAMPUS · WINSTON-SALEM, NC · PRIVATE

Wake Forest University

21.6%

01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International

FIT

MATCH

Wake Forest University is a match for most applicants.

Score reflects acceptance odds × cost × outcome quality.

ACCEPTANCE

21.6%

of 17,479 applicants

SALARY · 10-YR

$78,158

across all majors

Wake Forest University at a Glance

21.6%

Acceptance Rate

1450

Average SAT

Average ACT

9,739

Total Enrollment

$78,158

Median Salary (10yr)

$21,500

Median Debt

9.0%

Pell Grant Rate

Average SAT & ACT Scores for Wake Forest University

Test	25th Percentile	75th Percentile	Midpoint
SAT Reading	690	740	715
SAT Math	700	770	735
SAT Total	1390	1510	1450
ACT Composite	32	34	33

Admissions Funnel

Applications Received	17,479
Students Admitted	3,768
Students Enrolled	1,385
Yield Rate	36.8%

Wake Forest University Rankings

Ranking	2025	Year
US News National Universities	#47	2025

Wake Forest University Overview

Wake Forest University is a private university in Winston-Salem, NC with 9,739 students. The 21.6% acceptance rate means admission is competitive but achievable for strong students. The most popular majors are Business/Marketing, Social Sciences, and Biological Sciences. Graduates earn a median of $78,158 ten years after enrollment.

Full Name	Wake Forest University
Location	Winston-Salem, NC 27106
Type	Private
Website	wfu.edu/
Total Enrollment	9,739
Undergrad Enrollment	5,622
Female Students	54.6%

What Students Study at Wake Forest University

Percentage of bachelor's degrees by field.

Business/Marketing

22.2%

Social Sciences

18.1%

Biological Sciences

9.0%

Communication

8.2%

Psychology

7.8%

Parks/Recreation

6.7%

Mathematics/Statistics

4.5%

Computer Science

4.4%

Philosophy/Religion

2.6%

English/Literature

2.4%

Visual/Performing Arts

2.4%

Engineering

2.4%

Foreign Languages

2.4%

Physical Sciences

2.0%

History

2.0%

Wake Forest University True Cost by Family Income

Sticker price doesn't tell the full story at Wake Forest. Families earning $30-48k pay around $6,331 per year after aid, while those in the $110k+ bracket pay about $58,081. 9% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating Wake Forest enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students. Median debt at graduation is $21,500, which is reasonable against the $67,722 typical early-career salary.

Family Income	Annual Net Price	4-Year Total
$0-30k	$6,525	$26,100
$30-48k	$6,331	$25,324
$48-75k	$7,647	$30,588
$75-110k	$12,771	$51,084
$110k+	$58,081	$232,324

Cost Breakdown

Room & Board	$20,440
Total Cost of Attendance	$87,499

Popular Majors at Wake Forest University

Percentage of degrees awarded by field.

Business/Marketing

22.2%

Social Sciences

18.1%

Biological Sciences

9.0%

Communication

8.2%

Psychology

7.8%

Parks/Recreation

6.7%

Mathematics/Statistics

4.5%

Computer Science

4.4%

Philosophy/Religion

2.6%

English/Literature

2.4%

Visual/Performing Arts

2.4%

Engineering

2.4%

Foreign Languages

2.4%

Physical Sciences

2.0%

History

2.0%

Student Demographics

White

65.0%

Black/African American

6.7%

Hispanic/Latino

8.9%

Asian

4.2%

International

8.8%

How to Get Into Wake Forest University

Wake Forest is selective, but your odds are real if you meet the academic profile. Target a 1420+ SAT to be competitive. Strong essays and demonstrated interest can tip the scale at schools in this selectivity range.

1450

Target SAT Score

Target ACT Score

21.6%

Acceptance Rate

17,479

Total Applicants

What Wake Forest University Values Most in Applicants

Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.

Factor	Importance
Academic Gpa	Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record	Very Important
Class Rank	Considered
Standardized Test Scores	Not Considered
Application Essay	Very Important
Recommendation	Important
Extracurricular Activities	Very Important
Talent Ability	Important
Character Personal Qualities	Very Important
First Generation	Considered
Alumni Relation	Considered
Interview	Important
Work Experience	Considered
Volunteer Work	Important

Wake Forest University Application Deadlines & Requirements

Key dates for the Wake Forest University ED I/II admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.

Deadline	Date
Early Decision	Nov 15
Early Decision II	Jan 1
Regular Decision	Jan 1
Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS)	Feb 15

Early Decision: Wake Forest University offers binding Early Decision. If accepted, you must enroll and withdraw all other applications. Only apply ED if Wake Forest University is your clear first choice.

Financial Aid & Student Debt

9.0%

Pell Grant Recipients

Students from low-income families

$21,500

Median Debt at Graduation

Federal loans only

$67,722

Median Earnings (6yr)

6 years after enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions About Wake Forest University

What is Wake Forest's acceptance rate?

Wake Forest has an acceptance rate of 21.6%, making it highly selective. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.

What SAT score do I need for Wake Forest?

The middle 50% SAT range at Wake Forest is 1390-1510. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 32-34. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.

What are the most popular majors at Wake Forest?

The most popular majors at Wake Forest by degrees awarded are: Business/Marketing (22.2%), Social Sciences (18.1%), Biological Sciences (9.0%), Communication (8.2%), Psychology (7.8%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.

How much do Wake Forest graduates earn?

Wake Forest graduates earn a median salary of $78,158 ten years after enrollment, based on federal data. Actual earnings vary significantly by major — STEM and business graduates typically earn more, while arts and education graduates earn less.

Is Wake Forest worth the cost?

With median earnings of $78,158 (10yr post-enrollment) and median debt of $21,500, The earning potential strongly outweighs the typical debt, making Wake Forest a solid investment for most students. Always compare the net price (after aid) to expected earnings in your intended field.

Can I transfer to Wake Forest?

Wake Forest accepts transfer students, though the process is highly selective. Transfer applicants typically need a strong college GPA (3.5+), relevant coursework, and compelling reasons for transferring. The transfer acceptance rate is generally lower than freshman admission at selective schools.