Wake Forest University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic and competitive merit scholarships
- Full-tuition and full-ride programs for top applicants
- Need-based aid and honors opportunities
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~21%
- Middle 50% GPA (weighted): Not reported
- Middle 50% SAT: 1410 – 1520
- Middle 50% ACT: 32 – 34
Sources: WFU Admissions facts & updates; WFU news page citing most recent SAT/ACT mid-50%. Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Wake Forest University at a Glance
Last verified: October 2025
Wake Forest University blends small-college attention with ACC-level opportunities—and it offers a handful of highly selective merit programs such as the Carswell, Reynolds, and Stamps Scholarships. While most aid is need-based, top applicants may receive awards that cover full tuition or the full cost of attendance.
Use this guide to see how Wake Forest evaluates students for its top scholarships, which deadlines matter most, and how to combine merit with need-based aid for the best possible net cost.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Wake Forest has been test-optional since 2008; applicants choose whether to submit SAT/ACT scores.
What is the middle 50% GPA/SAT/ACT? GPA: Not reported; SAT: 1410–1520; ACT: 32–34.
What’s the average net price? Around $28,746 after grants and scholarships (latest College Scorecard/IPEDS).
Does this school offer reciprocity or waivers? No — as a private university, Wake Forest charges the same tuition for all students, though North Carolina residents may stack external state grants or donor-based aid.
University Admissions facts & updates (acceptance rate and deadlines): https://admissions.wfu.edu/facts/
Admissions update (avg test submitter scores): https://admissions.wfu.edu/2025/03/an-update-from-admissions-4/
Test-optional policy page: https://admissions.wfu.edu/become-a-deacon/test-optional/
Priority merit consideration & aid filing dates: https://financialaid.wfu.edu/applying-for-aid/
Signature/competitive scholarships overview: https://scholars.wfu.edu/signature-scholarships-and-partners/
Stamps Scholarship at WFU: https://financialaid.wfu.edu/types-of-aid/scholarships/
Average net price (College Scorecard): https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?199847-Wake-Forest-University=
WFU news page citing SAT/ACT mid-50%: https://news.wfu.edu/wake-in-the-news/u-s-news-ranks-wake-forest-among-top-30-universities/
💰 Cost of Attendance at Wake Forest University
| Category | All Students (Private University) |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $70,332 |
| Housing & Meals | $19,054 |
| Total (Before Aid) | $89,386 |
Notes: The table shows direct, billed costs only (tuition, required fees, standard on-campus housing, and a typical meal plan). Other education expenses—Books & Supplies ($1,718), Personal/Misc. ($1,880), Travel ($1,550), and average Federal Loan Fee ($66)—are not paid directly to Wake Forest. They are financial-aid allowances and therefore excluded from the billed-cost table above.
Regional reciprocity programs like WUE, MSEP, or NEBHE do not apply here.
Cost of Attendance FAQs
Who qualifies for in-state tuition? Nobody—Wake is private, so tuition is the same no matter where you live.
How much do most families actually pay? Around $28,746 per year on average after scholarships and grants (College Scorecard).
Are there regional discounts or state exchange programs? No. Wake Forest sets one tuition rate nationwide.
Do I need the CSS Profile? Yes, some competitive scholarships and all need-based aid at Wake require the CSS Profile. See our step-by-step CSS Profile guide for parents before you file.
University COA page (Undergraduate): https://financialaid.wfu.edu/cost-of-attendance/undergraduate/
Admissions affordability page (2025–26 estimates): https://admissions.wfu.edu/affordability/
College Scorecard (Average net price): https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?199847-Wake-Forest-University=
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Wake Forest does not publish admission-based automatic merit tiers by GPA/test score. University-level awards here are highly selective and committee-based (see Competitive Scholarships).
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | — | Wake Forest does not offer automatic merit by GPA/test; selection for institutional merit is holistic and highly competitive. | — | — | Top academic and leadership profiles are considered via the admission file; see Competitive Scholarships. |
Note: Wake Forest participates in the Stamps Scholarship program and sponsors National Merit awards. These are competitive (not automatic) and are detailed in the next section.
Automatic Merit FAQs
Does Wake Forest award automatic merit based on GPA or test scores?
No. Wake does not publish automatic merit tiers. Fewer than 3% of first-year applicants receive institutional merit, and selection is holistic through the admission process (priority review typically by November 15).
Is Wake Forest test-optional? Will you superscore?
Yes—Wake has been test-optional since 2008. If you choose to submit scores, Wake Forest accepts self-reported scores and will superscore if you test multiple times (you’re asked to report all test sittings; official scores are required upon enrollment).
Can institutional merit stack with other aid?
Wake coordinates institutional funds within the total Cost of Attendance. Stacking specifics vary by award and overall aid package; confirm final terms with Financial Aid when an offer is issued.
* Per Undergraduate Admissions: “If you take a test multiple times, please simply be sure to report all test scores to us; we will superscore them.”
Wake Forest Financial Aid — Scholarships: https://financialaid.wfu.edu/scholarships/
Wake Forest Scholars Office: https://scholars.wfu.edu/
Stamps Scholarship program: https://stampsscholars.org/
Deadlines and policies: https://scholarships360.org/college-scholarships/wake-forest-university-scholarships/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Wake Forest’s competitive scholarships are highly selective and limited. Fewer than 3% of incoming students receive one of these awards. Most cover full tuition or full cost of attendance and require committee review and, often, finalist interviews. Admission by November 15 is the key date for priority consideration.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stamps Scholarship | Full COA + enrichment (≈$15,000 over 4 yrs) | All admitted students; exceptional academics + leadership; finalist interview | No | Yes (good standing required) | Students with near-4.0 GPAs (weighted) and national-level leadership/service | Nov 15 |
| Nancy Susan Reynolds Scholarship | Full COA + up to $5,000 summer funding (3 summers) | First-year admits; extraordinary scholarship + leadership; finalist interview | No | Yes | Near-perfect GPAs, AP/IB rigor, significant leadership/service | Nov 15 |
| Guy T. Carswell Scholarship | Full COA + $5,000 summer funding | First-year admits; academic excellence + leadership; finalist interview | No | Yes | GPA typically 3.9+, demanding coursework, major leadership/service | Nov 15 |
| Graylyn Scholarship | Full COA + $5,000 summer funding (≈1 award/yr) | All admits; extraordinary achievement; finalist interview | No | Yes | Single recipient, near-perfect grades/test scores, leadership/service that stands out nationally | Nov 15 |
| Leadership & Character Scholarship | Full COA | First-year admits who also qualify for need-based aid; exceptional moral leadership | No (via admission + need application) | Yes | Leadership in service/nonprofits, need-qualified | Nov 15 (aid forms Jan 1) |
| Presidential Scholarship for Distinguished Achievement | $16,000/yr | Advanced talent in art, dance, debate, music, or theatre | Yes (portfolio/audition; finalist interview) | Yes | State/national achievement and ongoing campus engagement expected | Nov 15 (priority); Jan 4 (final) |
Note: Wake Forest is a Stamps Scholarship partner and recognizes National Merit scholars with institutional awards. Wake is also a QuestBridge partner for the National College Match.
Departmental, donor-specific, and identity/need-based awards (e.g. Poteat) are covered in 💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships.
Competitive Scholarship FAQs
How many students actually win these scholarships?
Fewer than 3% of first-years. Signature awards go to a very small group—often fewer than 50–60 total among all programs.
Do I need to apply separately?
Most require only your admission file (deadline: Nov 15). For the Presidential Scholarship, a separate application with portfolio/audition must be submitted (portal closes Jan 4).
Are these scholarships renewable?
Yes, for recipients in good academic/program standing.
Can awards stack with other aid?
Full-cost awards replace other institutional grants but may combine with outside/private funds up to the cost of attendance.
Wake Forest Financial Aid — Scholarships: https://financialaid.wfu.edu/scholarships/
Presidential, Stamps, Reynolds, Carswell, Graylyn: https://scholars.wfu.edu/
Talent/Presidential Application: https://admissions.wfu.edu/afford/presidential-scholarship/
Music/Arts: https://music.wfu.edu/scholarships/
Deadlines: https://admissions.wfu.edu/apply/first-year-students/
Enrichment funds: https://scholars.wfu.edu/enrichment-funds/
🎖️ Honors College
Wake Forest does not run a separate “Honors College.” Instead, honors opportunities are offered through individual departments and an interdisciplinary honors track. For motivated students, these programs provide the chance to dive deeper into a subject, work closely with faculty, and complete a senior thesis or capstone project.
GPA in the 3.3–3.5+ range (e.g., 3.3 overall and 3.5 in the major for history, 3.5 in English, 3.7 in philosophy), strong grades in upper-level courses, and a clear interest in independent research or a thesis project. Students typically apply or are invited after demonstrating readiness in upper-level coursework.
Small seminars, one-on-one faculty mentorship, priority access to research grants (including URECA and departmental funds), thesis recognition on your transcript, and eligibility for additional departmental or research fellowships. Interdisciplinary honors options include seminar sequences and a major faculty-advised capstone.
Honors FAQs
Is admission automatic?
No. Students generally apply (or are nominated) for honors in their department once they have a qualifying GPA and have completed major prerequisites. The interdisciplinary program requires a written request to the Honors Committee by the end of junior year.
Does completing honors add extra time?
Not usually. Honors seminars and thesis work are built into upperclass years, and most students graduate on time within four years.
Are there scholarships tied to honors?
Not centrally. Many departments offer additional funding, travel grants, or endowed awards for strong honors students; these appear in Hidden Gem Scholarships or departmental listing.
When should I apply?
Application timing varies: for most programs, sophomore or junior year, after completing the required core and establishing a GPA in the major (common deadlines: March/April for fall distinction, October/November for December graduates).
Departmental Honors—History: https://history.wfu.edu/undergraduate/honors-program/
Departmental Honors—English: https://english.wfu.edu/the-honors-program-in-english/
Departmental Honors—Philosophy: https://philosophy.wfu.edu/academics/honors-program/
Interdisciplinary Honors Track: https://bulletin.wfu.edu/courses/hon/
Thesis deadlines, GPA: https://bulletin.wfu.edu/college/#honorstext
URECA research funding: https://ureca.wfu.edu/research-fellowship/
General honors program info: https://college.wfu.edu/funding-opportunities/
⭐ College Specialty
Wake Forest blends the feel of a small liberal arts college with the reach of a national research university. Parents often hear about Wake’s close-knit classes, but the school also shines in professional programs, global engagement, and business outcomes that rival larger universities.
Accounting (School of Business) — Consistently ranked among the very top in the nation for CPA exam pass rates (83–90% in recent years), Wake’s program places graduates directly into Big Four firms and top finance roles.
- Study Abroad Participation: Ranked #3 nationally for percentage of undergraduates studying abroad (IIE Open Doors 2023–24), with more than 70% earning credit overseas.
- Engineering at Wake Downtown: One of the few liberal arts–grounded B.S. Engineering programs in the country, located alongside the School of Medicine in the Innovation Quarter.
- Biological Sciences & Pre-Health: Proximity to Wake Forest School of Medicine and affiliated research centers gives undergraduates early access to labs and health research.
Research Classification: Wake Forest is classified as an R2: Doctoral University — High Research Activity, which signals strong research opportunities for undergraduates though not at the largest R1 scale.