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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 Private Research Powerhouse "For Humanity" in Winston-Salem.

Nestled in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Wake Forest University stands as a distinguished private research institution, renowned for its commitment to "Pro Humanitate" – For Humanity. Since its establishment in 1834 as the Wake Forest Manual Labor Institute, the university has evolved from its original location in Wake Forest to its vibrant Reynolda Campus, fostering a rich history of academic innovation and intellectual freedom. It's a place where tradition meets forward-thinking research, providing a dynamic environment for students and faculty alike.

Academically, Wake Forest boasts a highly selective admissions process, attracting bright minds to its diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs. From its robust School of Arts and Sciences to its top-ranked professional schools in Business, Divinity, Law, and Medicine, students benefit from a rigorous curriculum and a dedicated faculty. The university's strong emphasis on research is evident in its significant funding from the National Institutes of Health and its affiliation with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, providing cutting-edge opportunities in various fields.

The student experience at Wake Forest is as vibrant as its academic offerings. With over 250 student clubs, a thriving Greek life, intramural sports, and active student media, there's a strong sense of community. The university is a founding member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), and its "Demon Deacons" athletic teams compete at the NCAA Division I level, boasting numerous national championships. Wake Forest cultivates an engaging atmosphere where students are encouraged to pursue their passions, develop leadership skills, and contribute positively to the world.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1834, with a powerful motto: "Pro Humanitate" (For Humanity).
  • Highly selective undergraduate admissions rate of 22%.
  • Endowment of $2.0 billion supporting academic excellence and resources.
  • Graduates include 18 Rhodes Scholars, 5 Marshall Scholars, 18 Truman Scholars, and 62 Fulbright recipients.
  • A founding member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) with 11 NCAA team championships.
  • Comprises highly regarded professional schools including Law (ranked among top 30 nationally) and Medicine (ranked among top third in NIH funding).

Timeline

1833
Establishment of Wake Forest Institute ratified by the North Carolina Baptist State Convention.
1834
Opened as the Wake Forest Manual Labor Institute, requiring students to perform manual labor.
1838
Renamed Wake Forest College; the manual-labor system was abandoned.
1862
College closed due to the American Civil War.
1894
The School of Law was established.
1902
The School of Medicine was established.
1956
University moved its main campus to Winston-Salem, becoming the Reynolda Campus.
1986
Historically affiliated with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina until this year.
1999
The first 24 students enrolled in the School of Divinity program.
2021
The School of Professional Studies was established.
🏛️
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. areas and 30 master's degrees, plus joint degree programs.

💼

School of Business

Founded in 1969, offering undergraduate (BS) and graduate (Master of Science, MBA) programs, with a campus in Charlotte for working professionals.

✝️

School of Divinity

Accredited by the Association of Theological Schools, offers a Master of Divinity degree and dual-degree programs, established with its first students in 1999.

⚖️

School of Law

Established in 1894, an ABA-accredited school consistently ranked among the top 30 nationally by U.S. News & World Report, offering various JD, MSL, LLM, and SJD degrees.

🏥

School of Medicine

Founded in 1902, clinically affiliated with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, directing the education of about 1,800 students and fellows annually, and ranking highly in research funding.

🏫

School of Professional Studies

Established in 2021, offering Master's programs, graduate certificates, and non-credit programs, primarily through virtual online courses.

Leadership

President
Nell Jessup Newton (Interim)
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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