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Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

“Pro Humanitate (Latin)”("For Humanity")

1834
Founded
Private research university
Type
5,471
Total Students
5,471
Undergrad
3,650
Graduate
$2.0B
Endowment
$65K
Tuition (In-State)
$65K
Tuition (Out-State)
$29K
Avg Net Price
22%
Acceptance Rate
91%
Graduation Rate
6-year
95%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification
President: Susan Wente

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Wake Forest University

Wake Forest: A top-tier research university committed to 'Pro Humanitate' and student success.

Wake Forest University, nestled in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a distinguished private research university driven by its powerful motto, "Pro Humanitate" – "For Humanity." Established in 1834, Wake Forest has evolved into a vibrant academic community known for its rigorous intellectual environment and a deep commitment to service. Its main Reynolda Campus offers a beautiful setting, complemented by international facilities that expand its global reach.

The university's journey began as the Wake Forest Manual Labor Institute, founded by the North Carolina Baptist State Convention, where students engaged in manual labor alongside their studies. Renamed Wake Forest College in 1838, it shed the manual-labor system and later moved to its current Winston-Salem location in 1956, marking a significant chapter in its growth. While historically affiliated with the Baptist church, Wake Forest is now proudly nonsectarian, upholding academic freedom and a diverse intellectual climate.

Academically, Wake Forest is highly selective, attracting bright minds with an admission rate of 22%. It boasts a comprehensive suite of undergraduate and graduate schools, including acclaimed programs in Business, Law, Medicine, and Divinity, fostering interdisciplinary excellence. Beyond the classroom, students thrive in over 250 clubs and organizations. The university's athletic teams, the Demon Deacons, are a proud force in the NCAA Division I ACC, celebrating eleven NCAA team championships, offering a spirited and engaging student experience both on and off the field.

Key Highlights

  • ✦A private research university with a $2.0 billion endowment, founded in 1834.
  • ✦Motto: "Pro Humanitate" (For Humanity), guiding its mission of service and academic excellence.
  • ✦Highly selective undergraduate admissions rate of 22%.
  • ✦Boasts 9,121 students and over 250 student clubs and organizations for a vibrant campus life.
  • ✦Alumni include 18 Rhodes Scholars, 5 Marshall Scholars, 18 Truman Scholars, and 62 Fulbright recipients.
  • ✦The Demon Deacons, a founding member of the ACC, have won eleven NCAA team championships.
  • ✦Offers a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across its numerous schools.

Timeline

1834
Opened as the Wake Forest Manual Labor Institute (February 3).
1838
Renamed Wake Forest College; manual-labor system abandoned.
1894
School of Law established.
1902
School of Medicine established.
1956
Main campus relocated to Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
1967
Renamed Wake Forest University from Wake Forest College.
1969
School of Business (originally Babcock School of Management) founded.
1986
Became nonsectarian, formally separating from the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.
1999
School of Divinity enrolled its first students.
2021
School of Professional Studies established, offering virtual online courses.
🏛️
192 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

6 notable schools within Wake Forest University

🎭

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Offers 25 graduate-level study programs, 11 certificates, including 11 Ph.D. study areas and 30 master's degrees, alongside nine joint degree programs.

💼

School of Business

Founded in 1969, it houses both graduate and undergraduate programs, offering a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree with majors in accountancy, business and enterprise management, finance, and mathematical business, plus seven Master programs.

✝️

School of Divinity

Offers a Master of Divinity degree, dual-degree programs, and a certificate in Spirituality and Health, known for being 'Christian by tradition, Baptist in heritage, and ecumenical in outlook'.

⚖️

School of Law

Established in 1894, this American Bar Association-accredited school consistently ranks among the top 30 law schools nationally and offers JD, JD/M.Div., JD/MA, MSL, LLM, and SJD degrees.

🏥

School of Medicine

Founded in 1902, it directs the education of about 1,800 students and fellows, is clinically affiliated with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, and ranks among the top third of American medical schools in total NIH funding.

🏫

School of Professional Studies

Established in 2021, this school offers Master's programs, graduate certificates, and non-credit programs, with most courses delivered virtually online.

Leadership

President
Nell Jessup Newton (Interim)
Provost

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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