Just the Facts

Wake Forest University was founded in 1834 outside the state capital of Raleigh, North Carolina. In 1941, the medical school moved to Winston-Salem, and the rest of the College followed in 1956.

Status:	Private, coeducational collegiate university with a liberal arts curriculum
President:	Nathan O. Hatch, AB, AM, Ph.D.
Motto:	"Pro Humanitate" (for humanity)
Enrollment (2008-09):	Applicants for first-year admission: 9,050
	Freshmen accepted/enrolled: 3,473/1,203
	Total undergraduate enrollment: 4,476
	Graduate and professional schools: 2,386
	Total University enrollment: 6,862
Colors:	Old gold and black
Mascot:	The Demon Deacon
Fight Song:	"O Here's To Wake Forest." Listen.
Alma Mater:	"Dear Old Wake Forest." Listen.

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Did You Know?

… that Wake Forest is the nation's premier collegiate university?

Wake Forest blends the personal experience of a liberal arts college with the resources of top research universities. Wake Forest is ranked 28th in the 2010 edition of U.S. News & World Report's Guide to America's Best Colleges.

… that the University prepares you to do good AND to do well?

The Wake Forest community embodies the University's motto, Pro Humanitate, or "for humanity." Students organize annual service trips to India, Honduras, Vietnam and Eastern Europe and many other projects closer to home. Wake Forest is one of the top small colleges in the number of alumni serving in the Peace Corps. The University fosters thinking and action. Numerous students have started successful businesses — while in school. The entrepreneurship program is one of the strongest in the country. A broad course selection, mentoring and other support will get you started on the road to success.

… that Wake Forest was the first top 30 national university to make standardized tests optional in the admissions process?

Wake Forest wants to know who you are and what your goals and dreams are. Your classroom performance, writing ability, extracurricular activities and evidence of character and talent are the most important criteria for admission. Personal interviews with admissions counselors are strongly encouraged.

… that the University offers programs in the liberal arts as well as graduate and professional education?

Wake Forest is distinguished by its small size, complemented by the resources of a larger university. Undergraduates can choose among 37 different majors. Strong graduate programs in arts and sciences, nationally ranked schools of law, business and medicine, and a growing divinity school enhance the undergraduate experience. Degrees offered: BA, BS, BS/MS (accountancy), MA, MS, MAEd, MALS, MBA, MDIV, PhD, LL.M, JD, MD, MD/MS, MD/PhD, MSA/MBA, PhD/MBA, JD/MBA, MD/MBA, MD/PhD, Allied Health programs.

… that a community atmosphere and beautiful campus are two things you'll notice right away?

When you choose a university, you also choose a home for four years. Wake Forest is a place where you'll enjoy living, learning and finding your niche. Wake Forest's hometown, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a culturally rich mid-size city. Students are required to live on campus their first two years; housing is guaranteed for all four years. First-year students can bring cars, but residence halls, classroom buildings, the student center and fitness center are just a short walk from anywhere on campus. Numerous dining choices are offered, including a new Starbucks study space in the Z. Smith Reynolds Library.

… that a student/faculty ratio of 10:1 encourages one-to-one interaction and intellectual collaboration between students and professors?

Most classes have less than 25 students. First-year students take two seminar classes with less than 18 students in each. With the exception of health classes and some laboratory sections, all classes are taught by faculty teacher-scholars, not graduate students.

… that 11 Wake Forest students have been named Rhodes Scholars in the last 20 years?

In just the last year, four undergraduates and two alumni have received the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship for study or research abroad and three undergraduates received the Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship. Numerous other students have received Marshall, Goldwater, Mellon, Luce, Truman and National Science Foundation awards or other honors.

… that half of all undergraduates study abroad?

More than 60 percent of Wake Forest undergraduates study abroad. Wake Forest offers study-abroad opportunities at University-owned residences in London, Venice and Vienna, and more than 400 programs in more than 200 cities and 70 countries, including Australia, Africa, China, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Nepal, Russia and Spain. The student-run Volunteer Service Corps plans international service trips, furthering the University's "Pro Humanitate" motto. Or closer to home, intern in Washington, D.C., with a government agency, non-profit organization or media outlet.

… that more than 60% of undergraduates receive financial aid?

Wake Forest's generous aid program allows deserving students to enroll regardless of their financial circumstances.

Undergraduate tuition (2009-10)
Tuition: $38,622
Room (estimate): $6,550
Board (estimate): $3,860
Books (estimate): $900
Personal expenses: $1,400
Transportation: $750
Total: $52,082

… that Wake Forest students come from every part of the United States and the world?

At Wake Forest, you will meet students from a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and cultures — all of whom contribute to our unique community of learning. Read more about our student body [PDF].

… that Wake Forest competes in Division 1 athletics?

The Demon Deacons boast great school spirit to go along with recent national championships in men's soccer and men's tennis; three national titles in field hockey and men's golf; and numerous Atlantic Coast Conference titles.

… that there's a student organization for almost every interest?

From the Student Environmental Action Coalition to the Debate Team to the literary magazine, there's a group to join — or you can start your own. Intramural and club sports teams, student media (print / radio / TV), volunteer programs and leadership development opportunities are among the many outlets for personal growth and service.

… that a Wake Forest education prepares students exceptionally well for life after graduation?

There is a strong commitment to career planning and vocational discernment at Wake Forest. View our graduates' job placement and graduate school statistics [PDF], as well as medical school [PDF] and law school [PDF] acceptance numbers.

Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Phone: 336.758.5201 ~ E-mail: admissions@wfu.edu
Contact Us

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