Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC · Private nonprofit · 4-year

Wake Forest University has a 21.6% acceptance rate. Wake Forest University is a private nonprofit 4-year institution in Winston-Salem, NC, with a median SAT of 1470 and a median ACT of 33. The average net price is $28,719 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

21.6%

17,479 applicants

SAT Median

1470

Combined score

ACT Median

33

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$28,719

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at Wake Forest University

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Wake Forest University (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)139014701520
ACT (composite, 1–36)323334

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

0.9%

Retention Rate

92.6%

Median Earnings (10yr)

N/A

Student Body

5,485

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Wake Forest University:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$6,525
$30,001 – $48,000$6,331
$48,001 – $75,000$7,647
$75,001 – $110,000$12,771
$110,000+$58,081

Top Majors at Wake Forest University

MajorDegrees Awarded
Business, Management & Marketing299
Social Sciences283
Biological & Biomedical Sciences126
Communication & Journalism124
Psychology123
Parks, Recreation & Fitness97
Computer & Information Sciences40
History38
Engineering36
Physical Sciences36

Financial Aid at Wake Forest University

About Wake Forest University

Official website: https://www.wfu.edu/

Admissions: https://admissions.wfu.edu/

Frequently Asked Questions About Wake Forest University

What is the acceptance rate at Wake Forest University?

Wake Forest University has an acceptance rate of 22%. it received about 17,479 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1470; the average net price is $28,719 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Wake Forest University for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into Wake Forest University?

Getting into Wake Forest University is competitive — it admits 22% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1470. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Wake Forest University for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Wake Forest University?

Admitted students at Wake Forest University typically have a median SAT around 1470 and a median ACT around 33. With a 22% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Wake Forest University is located in Winston-Salem, NC. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend Wake Forest University?

The average net price at Wake Forest University is $28,719 per year after grants and scholarships. about 42% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $55,090 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at Wake Forest University?

Wake Forest University has a graduation rate of 1%. its first-year retention rate is 93%. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Wake Forest University against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is Wake Forest University test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, Wake Forest University is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1470. With a 22% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Wake Forest University's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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