Wake Forest University

Wake Forest's estimated cost of attendance for the 2025-2026 academic year is $94,600, including $70,332 in tuition. However, in September 2025, the university announced tuition-free admissions for some low-income North Carolina residents starting in the fall of 2026. Wake Forest also offers multiple scholarships for international students based on academic achievement and financial need.

Wake Forest's undergraduate admissions are highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 22% for the Class of 2028. The university seeks students who demonstrate leadership, character, and a commitment to service, as embodied in its Pro Humanitate ethos. While Wake Forest does not require standardized test scores, admitted students typically have strong academic profiles.

Wake Forest embraces a teacher-scholar ideal, emphasizing personal interaction between students and faculty. The university is recognized for its outstanding academic reputation and challenging liberal arts curriculum. With nearly 95% of full-time faculty holding a doctoral or terminal degree, students are taught and mentored by experts in their fields.

Wake Forest graduates consistently secure positions at top organizations and gain acceptance into prestigious graduate schools. Within six months of graduation, 97% of the Class of 2023 were employed or enrolled in graduate programs. Employers and graduate schools value the quality of Wake Forest candidates, focusing on their own criteria rather than relying on rankings.

Wake Forest offers a vibrant campus culture with over 250 student organizations and a strong emphasis on Greek life, with around 45% of undergraduates participating in fraternities and sororities. The university also boasts 17 dining facilities, extensive walking trails, and a state-of-the-art Wellbeing Center. Campus traditions and events like Rolling the Quad and the Lighting of the Quad contribute to a lively social scene.

Wake Forest University prioritizes campus safety with comprehensive security measures and resources. The university provides emergency contact information for campus security and local police departments across its various campuses. The annual security report includes policies and information on relevant safety resources, ensuring a secure environment for students and employees.

Wake Forest offers various research fellowships, including the Wake Forest Research Fellowship and the Arts & Humanities Research Fellowship, providing stipends and housing for intensive summer scholarship. The Richter Scholarship program supports globally-oriented independent research, while the ACC-IAC Fellowship Program funds creative endeavors. These programs foster mentored scholarship and creative activities across disciplines.

Wake Forest welcomes international students from 38 countries, fostering a diverse campus community. The university offers multiple scholarships for international students based on academic achievement and financial need. International students comprise 9% of the undergraduate population, contributing to a global perspective within the university's academic and social environment.