Wake Forest University is one of the top private universities in Winston-Salem, United States. It is ranked #701-710 in QS World University Rankings 2024.

The Wake Forest motto, Pro Humanitate, is regularly translated as “For Humanity” and is probably most often understood to mean that we do what we do for the sake of humanity, for the people of the world. It is often heard as a very specific call to community service.

Wake Forest is a university dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in the liberal arts and in graduate and professional education. Its distinctiveness in its pursuit of its mission derives from its private, coeducational, and residential character; its size and location; and its Baptist heritage.

Our motto, Pro Humanitate (For Humanity), is a calling to use our knowledge, talents and compassion to better the lives of others. It can mean donating time and resources to our communities or simply a lifelong commitment to pursuing our best self.

Student life

Wake Forest University has an acceptance rate of 21%. Half the applicants admitted to Wake Forest who submitted test scores have an SAT score between 1380 and 1510 or an ACT score of 31 and 34. However, one quarter of admitted applicants achieved scores above these ranges and one quarter scored below these ranges.

North Carolina's own Wake Forest University prepares students to lead lives that matter and has a reputation for quality that affords its students “excellent placement into jobs and graduate schools.” Students come to Wake Forest for an education of the entire person, and the school “practices intentional interactions ...

Despite reporting a lower rate than other universities, 50.4 percent of Wake Forest respondents in the wellness survey reported experiencing feelings of depression within two weeks prior to the survey. Even more alarming is that 4.6 percent of respondents reported feeling depressed every day.

Wake Forest is a private research university that is proud to be part of the Southern Ivy League, a group of private schools in the southern United States that are amongst the most prestigious in the country.

(Winston Salem, NC): At Wake Forest, 50% of the undergraduate student body is Greek, so it's almost impossible to avoid attending Greek events or making friends who are in the Greek system.

Small school feel, big time sports. Wake gives you a great mix between school and fun, but if come here expect a lot of school work.

Some students note that “the greatest aspects of Wake Forest” are the small school atmosphere but large school resources, as well as the high levels of support. “I feel that I could ask any professor I've had at Wake for a letter of recommendation, and they would know me personally enough to do so,” says a student.