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Colleges / NC / Winston-Salem
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Wake Forest University

Private nonprofit Winston-Salem, NC · Urban · Southeast · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
90%
Graduation Rate
$78,158
Earnings (10yr)
$28,719
Net Price
22%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

With an acceptance rate of just 22%, Wake Forest University attracts students who are ready to engage deeply in their education. The school is particularly appealing to those interested in fields like Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Communications, and Psychology. Its high graduation rate of 90% reflects a supportive environment where students can thrive academically and socially.

After graduation, students can expect to earn an average of $78,158 within ten years, which is a solid figure that speaks to the value of a Wake Forest degree in the job market. The relatively low percentage of students receiving Pell Grants (10%) suggests that many students come from families that can afford to pay for their education, which can be a factor in post-graduation mobility and success. While we don't have specific mobility rates, the strong earnings potential indicates that graduates generally find good opportunities.

On the financial side, the net price after aid is $28,719, which means students should carefully consider how this fits into their budget. With a median debt of $21,500, students must weigh their loan burden against their future earnings. Those who tend to thrive at Wake Forest are often self-motivated and ready to take advantage of the various academic programs and support systems available.

Rankings

How Wake Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation90%Earnings 10yr$78KNet Price$29KRetention93%Median Debt$22KPell Grant Rate10%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$7K$0-30K$6K$30-48K$8K$48-75K$58K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%178.8%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%4034.5%MOBILITY72.12%

Cost & Financial Aid

$67,642
In-State Tuition
$67,642
Out-of-State
$28,719
Avg Net Price
$21,500
Median Debt
10%
Pell Grant Rate
14%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$6,525
Family Income $0–$30K
$6,331
Family Income $30K–$48K
$7,647
Family Income $48K–$75K
$58,081
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$67,722
6 Years After Entry
$80,513
8 Years
$78,158
10 Years
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
83%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$67,722 6yr $80,513 8yr $78,158 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

72.12%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
4034.5%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
178.8%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$191,500
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.76
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.01
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
6.3%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Research & Teaching

Data: Times Higher Education World University Rankings

#90
World Rank
54.6
Teaching
42.9
Research
79.2
Citations
24.4
International

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

0.405%
Inventor Rate
25
Total Patents
302
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 22%
Retention Rate 93%
SAT Average 1475
SAT Range 1410–1520
ACT Range 32–34
Full-Time Faculty 76%
Faculty Salary (mo) $12,666
Diversity Index 0.55
First-Gen Students 12%

Top Programs

Business & Marketing 22%
Social Sciences 21%
Biology & Biomedical 9%
Communications 9%
Psychology 9%
Computer Science & IT 3%
Engineering 3%
Physical Sciences 3%