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Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, North Carolina · Private Non-Profit

Avg Earnings (5yr)

$67,722

Acceptance Rate

22%

Graduation Rate

90%

Annual Tuition

$64,758

Quick answer

According to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data on USACollegeData.com (2024-25 College Scorecard release), graduates of Wake Forest University earn a median of $78,158 ten years after entry — 44% above the national median. Acceptance rate 21.6%, average SAT score 1475, in-state tuition $64,758.

At a Glance

Total Students

5,471

Retention Rate

95%

Faculty Ratio

9

Financial Aid

15%

Median Debt

$21,500

Campus Setting

City

Institution Type

Private Non-Profit

Admissions: SAT & ACT Scores

Average SAT Score

1,475

SAT Reading/Writing (middle 50%)

700–750

SAT Math (middle 50%)

710–770

ACT Composite (middle 50%)

32–34

Institution Overview

Wake Forest University is a private, non-profit institution with 5,471 students. The university has a selective admissions process, accepting 21.6% of applicants. The university retains 94.7% of its students and boasts a graduation rate of 90.3%. The cost of in-state tuition is $64,758.

Graduates of Wake Forest University experience strong earnings potential. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $52,635, increasing to $67,722 after five years and $78,158 after ten years. The median debt for graduates is $21,500, and 14.6% of students receive financial aid.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Earning Projection Over Time

$53k

1 YEAR

$68k

5 YEARS

$78k

10 YEARS

Top 8% in Earnings

Graduate Outcomes

One year after graduation, Wake Forest University alumni earn a median salary of $52,635. Five years after graduation, the median salary increases to $67,722, and after ten years, the median salary is $78,158. The median debt for graduates is $21,500, and 14.6% of students receive financial aid.

Wake Forest University has a high retention rate of 94.7% and a graduation rate of 90.3%. The university has an acceptance rate of 21.6% and a student body of 5,471. The in-state tuition is $64,758.

Popular Programs

Top performing degrees based on enrollment and outcome data.

Business Administration, Management and Operations

Graduates 245 / yr
Median Salary $104,615

Accounting and Related Services

Graduates 163 / yr
Median Salary $70,335

Biology, General

Graduates 158 / yr
Median Salary $44,209

Law

Graduates 151 / yr
Median Salary $96,436

Political Science and Government

Graduates 146 / yr
Median Salary $47,161

Economics

Graduates 139 / yr
Median Salary $56,416

Communication and Media Studies

Graduates 125 / yr
Median Salary $42,055

Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

Graduates 124 / yr
Median Salary $82,055

Medicine

Graduates 115 / yr
Median Salary $64,365

Business/Commerce, General

Graduates 112 / yr
Median Salary $76,722

Psychology, General

Graduates 111 / yr
Median Salary $34,823

Finance and Financial Management Services

Graduates 108 / yr
Median Salary $85,944

Student Counseling and Personnel Services

Graduates 104 / yr
Median Salary $45,173

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions

Graduates 84 / yr
Median Salary $106,711

Health and Physical Education/Fitness

Graduates 77 / yr
Median Salary $21,192

English Language and Literature, General

Graduates 54 / yr
Median Salary $31,449

Sociology

Graduates 51 / yr
Median Salary $46,257

Theological and Ministerial Studies

Graduates 34 / yr
Median Salary $40,732

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

Graduates 24 / yr
Median Salary $202,919

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Campus Location

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Winston-Salem, NC 27106

Wake Forest University is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The campus is in a city setting.

All Colleges in North Carolina ROI Analysis Affordable in North Carolina Browse All Majors

Frequently Asked Questions

Wake Forest University has an acceptance rate of 21.6%.