Average SAT & ACT Scores for Wake Forest University
Test
25th Percentile
75th Percentile
Midpoint
SAT Reading
690
740
715
SAT Math
700
770
735
SAT Total
1390
1510
1450
ACT Composite
32
34
33
Admissions Funnel
Applications Received
17,479
Students Admitted
3,768
Students Enrolled
1,385
Yield Rate
36.8%
Wake Forest University Rankings
Ranking
2025
Year
US News National Universities
#47
2025
Wake Forest University Overview
Wake Forest University is a private university in Winston-Salem, NC with 9,739 students. The 21.6% acceptance rate means admission is competitive but achievable for strong students. The most popular majors are Business/Marketing, Social Sciences, and Biological Sciences. Graduates earn a median of $78,158 ten years after enrollment.
Is Wake Forest University a Reach, Match, or Safety?
Wake Forest University accepts 21.6% of applicants, making it highly selective. Students with above-average GPAs and solid test scores (where applicable) are in Match territory. Below the median, consider it a Reach.
Your Profile
Wake Forest University Is...
What to Do
Above-average GPA + strong application
Match
Apply — worth the effort
Average GPA, some strengths
Reach
Apply, but have 2-3 backup schools
Below-average GPA
Hard Reach
Consider similar schools with higher acceptance rates
Wake Forest University True Cost by Family Income
Sticker price doesn't tell the full story at Wake Forest. Families earning $30-48k pay around $6,331 per year after aid, while those in the $110k+ bracket pay about $58,081. 9% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating Wake Forest enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students. Median debt at graduation is $21,500, which is reasonable against the $67,722 typical early-career salary.
Family Income
Annual Net Price
4-Year Total
$0-30k
$6,525
$26,100
$30-48k
$6,331
$25,324
$48-75k
$7,647
$30,588
$75-110k
$12,771
$51,084
$110k+
$58,081
$232,324
Cost Breakdown
Room & Board
$20,440
Total Cost of Attendance
$87,499
Popular Majors at Wake Forest University
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Business/Marketing
22.2%
Social Sciences
18.1%
Biological Sciences
9.0%
Communication
8.2%
Psychology
7.8%
Parks/Recreation
6.7%
Mathematics/Statistics
4.5%
Computer Science
4.4%
Philosophy/Religion
2.6%
English/Literature
2.4%
Visual/Performing Arts
2.4%
Engineering
2.4%
Foreign Languages
2.4%
Physical Sciences
2.0%
History
2.0%
Student Demographics
White
65.0%
Black/African American
6.7%
Hispanic/Latino
8.9%
Asian
4.2%
International
8.8%
How to Get Into Wake Forest University
Wake Forest is selective, but your odds are real if you meet the academic profile. Target a 1420+ SAT to be competitive. Strong essays and demonstrated interest can tip the scale at schools in this selectivity range.
1450
Target SAT Score
33
Target ACT Score
21.6%
Acceptance Rate
17,479
Total Applicants
What Wake Forest University Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
Factor
Importance
Academic Gpa
Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record
Very Important
Class Rank
Considered
Standardized Test Scores
Not Considered
Application Essay
Very Important
Recommendation
Important
Extracurricular Activities
Very Important
Talent Ability
Important
Character Personal Qualities
Very Important
First Generation
Considered
Alumni Relation
Considered
Interview
Important
Work Experience
Considered
Volunteer Work
Important
Wake Forest University Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the Wake Forest University ED I/II admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
Deadline
Date
Early Decision
Nov 15
Early Decision II
Jan 1
Regular Decision
Jan 1
Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS)
Feb 15
Early Decision: Wake Forest University offers binding Early Decision. If accepted, you must enroll and withdraw all other applications. Only apply ED if Wake Forest University is your clear first choice.
Financial Aid & Student Debt
9.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
Students from low-income families
$21,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Federal loans only
$67,722
Median Earnings (6yr)
6 years after enrollment
Frequently Asked Questions About Wake Forest University
What is Wake Forest's acceptance rate?
Wake Forest has an acceptance rate of 21.6%, making it highly selective. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.
What SAT score do I need for Wake Forest?
The middle 50% SAT range at Wake Forest is 1390-1510. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 32-34. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.
What are the most popular majors at Wake Forest?
The most popular majors at Wake Forest by degrees awarded are: Business/Marketing (22.2%), Social Sciences (18.1%), Biological Sciences (9.0%), Communication (8.2%), Psychology (7.8%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.
How much do Wake Forest graduates earn?
Wake Forest graduates earn a median salary of $78,158 ten years after enrollment, based on federal data. Actual earnings vary significantly by major — STEM and business graduates typically earn more, while arts and education graduates earn less.
Is Wake Forest worth the cost?
With median earnings of $78,158 (10yr post-enrollment) and median debt of $21,500, The earning potential strongly outweighs the typical debt, making Wake Forest a solid investment for most students. Always compare the net price (after aid) to expected earnings in your intended field.
Can I transfer to Wake Forest?
Wake Forest accepts transfer students, though the process is highly selective. Transfer applicants typically need a strong college GPA (3.5+), relevant coursework, and compelling reasons for transferring. The transfer acceptance rate is generally lower than freshman admission at selective schools.
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