Wake Forest University emblem

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, United States • Founded 1834 • QS 2027 #801-850

Updated Jun 2026 · Source: wfu.edu · How we collect data

Overview

Acronyms: WFU
Founded: 1834
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Private
Entity Type: Non-profit
Religious Affiliation: Christian-Protestant
Rankings:
QS World University Rankings 2027 #801-850 Times Higher Education 2026 #401-500 ARWU (Shanghai) 2026 #501-600 CWTS Leiden 2025 #638 SCImago 2026 #482
Motto: Pro humanitate
Colours: Old gold and black
Mascot: The Demon Deacon
View of the Wake Forest University campus
1 / 4

Established in 1834, the Wake Forest University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Winston-Salem (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), North Carolina.

Officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Wake Forest University (WFU) is a medium-sized coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Protestant religion. Wake Forest University (WFU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 190-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 20-29% making this US higher education organization a very selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

WFU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Find Wake Forest University on the map and its contact channels below.

Address: 1834 Wake Forest Road
Postal Code: 27109
Phone: +1 (336) 758 5000
Social Media:

Academic Details

Enrolment, faculty headcount, and accreditation data for Wake Forest University are listed below.

Recognition: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Total Students: 5,485
Academic Staff Range: 2,000-2,499
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

Wake Forest University's academic units are listed below, by type.

Unit 6 items
  • Babcock Graduate School of Management
  • Professional Schools
  • School of Law
  • Wake Forest Divinity School
  • Wake Forest Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
  • Wake Forest University School of Medicine

Programs Offered

The full set of programmes Wake Forest University offers is searchable and grouped by level below.

96 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 38 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Related Services
Accounting
Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology
Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Area Studies
Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Biochemistry
Bachelor's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Business/Commerce, General
Business Administration
Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry
Chemistry
Bachelor's Degree in Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Linguistics & Language Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Communication and Media Studies
Communication Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science
Computer Sciences

Showing 10 of 38.

Master's Degree 35 programmes

Master's Degree in Accounting and Related Services
Accounting
Master's Degree in Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Master's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Master's Degree in Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Master's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Master's Degree in Chemistry
Chemistry
Master's Degree in Communication and Media Studies
Communication Studies
Master's Degree in Computer Science
Computer Sciences
Master's Degree in Data Analytics
Liberal Arts
Master's Degree in English Language and Literature, General
English Language Studies

Showing 10 of 35.

Doctorate 11 programmes

Doctorate in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Biochemistry
Doctorate in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Doctorate in Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Doctorate in Chemistry
Chemistry
Doctorate in Genetics
Biological Sciences
Doctorate in Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
Law
Doctorate in Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
Biological Sciences
Doctorate in Molecular Medicine
Biological Sciences
Doctorate in Neurobiology and Neurosciences
Neuroscience
Doctorate in Physics
Physics & Astronomy

Showing 10 of 11.

Professional Doctorate 3 programmes

Professional Doctorate in Law
Law
Professional Doctorate in Medicine
Medicine
Professional Doctorate in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Nursing

Postgraduate Certificate 9 programmes

Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Postgraduate Certificate in Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities
Health Sciences
Postgraduate Certificate in Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
Law
Postgraduate Certificate in Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
Linguistics & Language Studies
Postgraduate Certificate in Marketing
Advertising & Digital Marketing
Postgraduate Certificate in Mathematics
Mathematics
Postgraduate Certificate in Statistics
Mathematics
Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainability Studies
Liberal Arts
Postgraduate Certificate in Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Education & Teaching

How to apply to Wake Forest University

Five steps that capture how applications to Wake Forest University flow.

  1. 1
    Identify the right programme

    Wake Forest University's catalogue includes 96 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.

  2. 2
    Check entry requirements

    Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Wake Forest University's admissions process.

  3. 3
    Prepare your application documents

    Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.

  4. 4
    Submit via the institution

    Submit your completed application through Wake Forest University's official website at www.wfu.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.

  5. 5
    Get in touch with admissions

    Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (336) 758 5000. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.

Frequently Asked Questions about Wake Forest University

Common questions about Wake Forest University, answered from data on record.

In what year was Wake Forest University established?

Wake Forest University was founded in 1834 (approximately 192 years ago).

Where is Wake Forest University located?

Wake Forest University is located in Winston-Salem, United States.

Is Wake Forest University public or private?

Wake Forest University is a private institution.

What is the student enrolment at Wake Forest University?

Student enrolment at Wake Forest University is around 5,485.

How is Wake Forest University ranked?

It ranks QS 2027 #801-850.

Does Wake Forest University have a religious affiliation?

Yes, Wake Forest University is affiliated with Christian-Protestant.

How is Wake Forest University organised academically?

Wake Forest University is organised into 6 academic units across its disciplines.

Is Wake Forest University officially recognised?

Yes, Wake Forest University is recognised by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

What is Wake Forest University's official website?

The institution's website is www.wfu.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

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Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Below: other National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) member institutions, alongside Wake Forest University.

Other American Universities Affiliated with Christian-Protestant

Other Christian-Protestant-affiliated institutions in the United States appear below.

Faculties at nearby universities

Also in Winston-Salem: universities located close to Wake Forest University.

Where Else to Study Biological Sciences

Below: other the United States universities that offer Biological Sciences programmes.

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