Wake Forest University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
If you’re looking at Wake Forest, you already know it carries a big reputation—and a big price tag. But parents don’t always see how the numbers break down or what scholarships are really out there. This guide unpacks Wake’s costs, its selective merit awards, and a few hidden funding gems, all in plain English, so you can compare it alongside the options in our North Carolina state aid guide and the full College Scholarships hub.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Wake Forest University
| Category | All Students (Private University) |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $70,332 |
| Housing | $12,054 |
| Meal Plan | $7,000 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,718 |
| Travel | $1,550 |
| Personal/Misc. | $1,880 |
| Federal Loan Fee (avg.) | $66 |
| Total (Before Aid) | $94,600 |
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 $27,790 per year on average after scholarships and grants (per NCES data).
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.
✅ 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 the Competitive Scholarships section below. |
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.”
🏆 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 the 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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stamps Scholarship | Full COA + enrichment (≈$15,000 across 4 yrs) | All admitted students; exceptional academics + leadership; finalist interview | No (considered via admission file) | Yes (good standing required) | Students with GPAs near 4.0 (weighted) and national-level leadership or service recognition (e.g., state student body leadership, national awards) |
| Nancy Susan Reynolds Scholarship | Full COA + up to $5,000 summer funding (3 summers) | First-year admits; extraordinary scholarship + leadership; finalist interview | No (via admission file; finalists invited) | Yes | Admits with near-perfect GPAs and a record of rigorous coursework (AP/IB) plus significant leadership or service at the state/national level |
| Guy T. Carswell Scholarship | Full COA + $5,000 summer funding | First-year admits; academic excellence + leadership; finalist interview | No (via admission file; finalists invited) | Yes | Applicants with GPAs 3.9+ and a demanding course load, along with leadership roles in school or community organizations |
| Graylyn Scholarship | Full COA + $5,000 summer funding (≈1 award/yr) | All admits; extraordinary achievement; finalist interview | No (via admission file; finalists invited) | Yes | The single recipient typically has near-perfect grades, national test scores if submitted, and documented leadership/service that stands out at a national level |
| Leadership & Character Scholarship | Full COA | First-year admits who also qualify for need-based aid; exceptional moral leadership | No (considered via admission + need application) | Yes (program participation + academic progress) | Students who show a record of service (e.g., leading nonprofits, major volunteer commitments) and who qualify for need-based aid |
| Presidential Scholarship for Distinguished Achievement | $16,000/yr | Admitted students with advanced talent in art, dance, debate, music, or theatre (major not required) | Yes (portfolio/audition; finalist interview) | Yes | Applicants with state/national adjudications, rankings, or significant performance resumes, plus continued participation on campus |
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 or donor-specific awards and identity/need-based niche programs (e.g., Poteat; Entrepreneurship-specific awards) will appear in 💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships.
Competitive Scholarship FAQs
How many students actually win these scholarships?
Fewer than 3% of first-year students. Signature awards like Reynolds, Carswell, Graylyn, and Stamps go to a very small number of finalists each year.
Do I need to apply separately?
Most do not require a separate application (your admission file is primary). The Presidential Scholarship requires a portfolio/audition. Always check specific instructions in your portal.
Are these scholarships renewable?
Yes, provided you remain in good academic standing (full-time status, satisfactory progress) and meet any program participation expectations.
Can these awards stack with other aid?
Full-cost awards typically replace other institutional funds but may combine with outside/private scholarships up to the Cost of Attendance. Confirm terms with Financial Aid on your final package.
⭐ 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.
🎖️ 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 3.5+ range, strong performance in major courses, and interest in pursuing a thesis or research project. Students are usually nominated or apply once they’ve proven themselves in upper-level classes.
Small seminars, one-on-one faculty mentorship, priority access to research opportunities, thesis recognition on your transcript, and eligibility for departmental awards or fellowships.
Honors FAQs
Is admission automatic?
No. Students typically apply or are invited once they meet GPA thresholds in their department or in the interdisciplinary honors program.
Does completing honors add extra time to your degree?
No. Honors seminars and the thesis are built into your junior and senior year schedules, so most students graduate on time.
Are there scholarships tied to honors?
Not at the university level. Departmental scholarships and fellowships may be available for strong honors students, but they are listed separately under departmental or hidden gem scholarships.
When should I plan to apply?
Most departments accept applications in sophomore or junior year, after students complete key prerequisites and show readiness for advanced work.
📎 Official Links
Final Thoughts
Wake Forest can look intimidating on paper with its high sticker price and selective scholarships, but families should know the school also commits to meeting full demonstrated need and offers hidden funding routes like ROTC, research fellowships, and study abroad grants. If your student is drawn to small classes, global learning, and standout business or pre-health programs, this page gives you the numbers and programs you’ll actually want to compare. Take what’s here, pair it with our state aid guide, and you’ll have a clearer picture of whether Wake Forest fits your student’s goals and your family’s budget.
✅ Last updated: September 13, 2025