Exploring Wake Forest University's Student Population

how many students at wake forest university

Wake Forest University is a private research university located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Founded in 1834, the university offers 45 undergraduate majors and 60 minors across its seven colleges and schools. The university had a total undergraduate enrollment of 5,471 students in Fall 2023, with a gender distribution of 44.6% male students and 55.4% female students. The university's athletic teams, known as the Demon Deacons, compete in 18 NCAA Division I intercollegiate sports and have won 10 NCAA team championships.

Characteristics Values
Location Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Type Private research university
Year founded 1834
Undergraduate enrollment 5,471 (fall 2023)
Total enrollment Fewer than 9,000
Gender distribution 44.6% male, 55.4% female
On-campus housing 75%
Tuition and fees $67,642
Cost of attendance $87,556 (2023-24 academic year)
Ranking #46 (2025 edition of Best Colleges)
Number of undergraduate majors 45
Number of minors 60
Number of colleges and schools 7
Athletic teams Demon Deacons
Athletic division NCAA Division I
Number of NCAA team championships won 10

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Wake Forest University has around 5,500 undergraduates

Wake Forest University is a private research university located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Founded in 1834, the university has since expanded to offer 45 undergraduate majors and 60 minors across its seven colleges and schools. As of Fall 2023, the university has around 5,500 undergraduates, with a gender distribution of approximately 45% male and 55% female students. The majority of students live in college-affiliated housing, and almost every class contains fewer than 50 students.

Wake Forest University's undergraduate population makes up a significant portion of its total student body. While the university does not disclose the exact number of enrolled students, it is known to be fewer than nine thousand. This includes both undergraduate and graduate students pursuing various academic programmes.

The university's athletic teams, known as the Demon Deacons, compete in 18 NCAA Division I intercollegiate sports. The teams have achieved notable success, winning ten NCAA team championships. In addition to its athletic achievements, Wake Forest University is also recognised for its academic excellence, ranking 46th among National Universities in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges.

Wake Forest University provides its students with a well-rounded educational experience. The university combines the facilities of a research institution with the faculty engagement typically associated with small liberal arts colleges. The university's recent graduating class reported that the majority of students earning a liberal arts degree had studied abroad. Additionally, the university operates under the motto, "Pro Humanitate," reflecting its commitment to humanity and community outreach beyond the classroom.

With its rich history, academic excellence, and vibrant student life, Wake Forest University offers a holistic educational experience to its undergraduate population of around 5,500 students. The university's focus on both academic pursuits and extracurricular involvement contributes to the development of well-rounded individuals who go on to achieve success in their chosen fields.

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Tuition fees are $67,642 per year

Wake Forest University, founded in 1834, is a private institution with a semester-based academic calendar. The tuition fees for this university are $67,642 per year. This figure includes both tuition and fees, also referred to as the sticker price. The sticker price is the base cost of attendance and does not factor in additional expenses such as housing, food plans, books, transportation, and personal expenses. Students living on campus will need to consider these additional costs when budgeting for their education.

The total cost of attendance at Wake Forest University is $90,148, which is significantly higher than the national average cost of tuition of $47,890. This highlights the expensive nature of the university. However, it is important to note that the net price, which is the average cost after aid and scholarship funds are deducted, is $28,480 for students receiving need-based aid. This brings the cost down considerably and makes the university more accessible to students from a range of financial backgrounds.

Wake Forest University offers a range of financial aid options to support students in need. The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students is $63,778, which is a substantial amount. Additionally, 27% of first-year students received need-based financial aid in the fall of 2022. The university also provides merit-based aid, awarded for specific talents or academic achievements. The average non-need-based scholarship for first-year students, excluding athletic scholarships, is $22,262. It is worth noting that Wake Forest University met 98% of its students' financial aid needs, demonstrating a strong commitment to making education accessible.

Students at Wake Forest University can also explore options such as federal loans and work-study programs to help finance their education. The average need-based self-help aid awarded to first-year students was $4,892. Additionally, students with special circumstances, such as dependent care or disability-related expenses, may request a cost-of-attendance adjustment by contacting the Student Financial Aid office. The university also offers a Net Price Calculator on its website, allowing prospective students to estimate their net costs after considering grants and scholarships.

In conclusion, while the tuition fees at Wake Forest University are high at $67,642 per year, the university provides a range of financial aid options to support students. With scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities available, the university strives to make its education accessible to talented individuals, regardless of their financial situation. Prospective students are encouraged to explore the financial aid resources and reach out to the Student Financial Aid office to discuss their specific needs and options.

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97% of graduates are employed or in further education within six months

Wake Forest University, founded in 1834, has consistently proven its mettle in educating and preparing its students for their future careers. This is evident from the impressive statistic that 97% of Wake Forest graduates are employed or pursue further education within six months of earning their degrees. This trend has been consistent for nine consecutive years, showcasing the university's commitment to fostering career success for its alumni.

The university's Office of Personal and Career Development (OPCD) plays a pivotal role in this regard. With its holistic approach to career education, innovative programming, and personal career guidance, the OPCD ensures that students are well-prepared to transition into the professional world or pursue advanced studies. The office's efforts have resulted in premier employers and graduate schools holding Wake Forest students in high regard, actively recruiting them across various industry sectors.

The university's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges by U.S. News and World Report further underscores its academic excellence. Wake Forest University was ranked 46th among National Universities, reflecting its strong reputation and the quality of education it provides. This ranking, along with the university's focus on leadership and character development, has attracted a record number of applicants, with a seven percent increase in the applicant pool for the Class of 2028.

The success of Wake Forest University graduates extends beyond just employment or further education. The university has produced notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. For instance, Wake Forest was at the forefront of civil rights activism in the 1960s, with its students participating in non-violent protests that led to the desegregation of restaurants and lunch counters in Winston-Salem. This tradition of social impact continues, with the university receiving grants to promote environmental stewardship and its faculty winning prestigious awards for their research.

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The Wake Forest athletic teams are called the Demon Deacons

Wake Forest University is home to around 13,000 employees at its Medical Center, making it the largest employer in the Piedmont Triad Region. The university's athletic teams are called the Demon Deacons, a name that dates back to the 1920s and combines two distinct references.

Firstly, the name refers to the Christian office of deacon, reflecting the university's historical status as a Baptist institution until the 1980s. This idea was proposed by a group of fraternity brothers, who envisioned a mascot dressed like an old Baptist Deacon, complete with a "top hat, tails, and a black umbrella." They wanted the mascot to embody dignity and reflect how a Baptist Deacon would dress.

Secondly, the name "Demon Deacons" captures the team's fighting spirit and tenacious attitude. In 1923, after a remarkable win against Trinity College (now Duke University), a newspaper reporter described the Deacons as fighting "like Demons." This phrase struck a chord, and the nickname "Demon Deacons" was born. The editor of the school newspaper, Mayon Parker, is credited with popularising the moniker, recognising the team's "devilish" play and fighting spirit.

Over the years, the Demon Deacon mascot has become a beloved and memorable figure, known for its unique appearance and energetic stunts. The mascot's design was influenced by a student named "Doc" Murphrey, and the role has been highly sought-after through competitive annual tryouts.

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons have achieved notable success in athletics, winning 10 or 11 NCAA team championships and excelling in sports such as basketball and baseball. The football team has also had impressive runs, reaching the Top 25 national rankings in 2006 and 2023.

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The Reynolda House Museum of American Art is affiliated with the university

Wake Forest University was founded in 1834 outside Raleigh, North Carolina. The university owns and manages one of the premier meeting destinations in the southeast, Graylyn, which was built as a private estate in 1932. The Bowman Gray Campus is home to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, which includes the Wake Forest School of Medicine.

The Reynolda House Museum of American Art is affiliated with Wake Forest University and has been since 2002. The museum is the centerpiece of the Reynolda Estate, from which the university's Reynolda Campus takes its name. The residence was constructed in 1917 by Katharine Smith Reynolds and her husband, Richard Joshua Reynolds, the founder of the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. It was converted to an art museum in 1967 and displays American art from the colonial period to the present, including works by Mary Cassatt, Frederic Church, Jacob Lawrence, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Gilbert Stuart. Wake Forest students regularly get involved at Reynolda House through internships, volunteer opportunities, and academic research.

The museum has hosted various exhibitions over the years, including "Abstract/Object: Mid-Twentieth Century Art from the Reynolda House Collection," "Grandma Moses: Grandmother to the Nation," and "Vanguard Collecting: American Art at Reynolda House." In 2005, the museum opened the Mary and Charlie Babcock Wing, which features gallery space for traveling exhibitions. Reynolda House and Wake Forest partnered on a first-year student orientation project in 2010 that used the museum's masterpiece by Frederic Church, "The Andes of Ecuador," as the focal point of the summer academic experience.

The 129-acre property that constitutes the Reynolda Gardens of Wake Forest University was once part of the early 20th-century estate of Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Reynolds and included a lake, golf course, formal gardens, greenhouses, and woods. This preserve serves as a learning center for topics related to horticulture, environmental sciences, and landscape history, with Wake Forest students and faculty engaging in research throughout. The public is invited to participate in learning experiences, including classes, workshops, summer camps, and special events.

Frequently asked questions

Fewer than 9,000 students are enrolled at Wake Forest University, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 5,471 as of Fall 2023.

As of Fall 2023, 44.6% of students at Wake Forest University are male, while 55.4% are female.

75% of students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing, while 25% live off-campus.

Almost every class at Wake Forest University contains fewer than 50 students.

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