About Us | Wake Forest University

About Wake Forest

Founded in 1834, Wake Forest University is a private university located in Winston-Salem, N.C., with more than 8,000 students. The undergraduate population of more than 5,200 hails from 49 states and more than 50 foreign countries.

Ours is a vibrant and diverse academic community in which students pursue learning in one or more of the 45 majors, 60 minors and additional programs we offer within our six colleges and schools.

In September 2020, U.S. News & World Report ranked Wake Forest as one of the top 30 National Universities for the 25^th consecutive year. In addition to the overall standing of 28^th place, Wake Forest stands at 24^th for Best Value.

More facts at a glance about Wake Forest University are provided below.

Reynolda Hall in the Fall

The Basics

Founded: 1834 (Wake Forest, NC)
Relocated: 1956 (Winston-Salem, NC)
School Colors: Old Gold, Black
Type: Private
Motto: Pro Humanitate (For Humanity)
Campus Size: 340 acres

Quad Roll

Who We Are

Enrollment (2020-21): 8,789 (5,441 undergrad, 3,348 graduate)
49: States represented in undergraduate population
51: Foreign countries represented in undergraduate population
30%: Ethnic diversity
6,281: Full-time faculty and staff*

*Includes Reynolda Campus and Medical Center

Physical Chemistry Lab

How We Learn

45: Majors offered (Undergrad)
60: Minors offered
6: Colleges and schools
11 to 1: Student : Faculty ratio
99%: Portion of all undergraduate classes with fewer than 50 students
61%: Portion of Class of 2018 graduates who studied abroad

WF Ironworks in the Fall

How We Rank

#28: Best National Universities*
#24: Best Value*
#33: Study Abroad*
#41: Undergraduate Business Programs*
#1: National rank in Fall Campus Beauty

*U.S. News, Sept. 2021

Demon Deacon at BB&T Stadium

How We Play

Division: NCAA Division I (Football Bowl Subdivision)
Conference: Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC)
Nickname: Demon Deacons
8: NCAA Championships
95%: Student-athlete graduation rate as measured by the NCAA

Statue of Arnold Palmer on WFU Campus

Who We Become (Alumni)

72,452: Living degree recipients
50: U.S. states in which they live
40%: Portion who live in North Carolina
103: Foreign countries in which they live
Notable Alumni: Richard Burr (‘78): Tim Duncan (’97); Robert Ehrlich (JD ’82); Charlie Ergen (MBA ’76); Emily Giffin (‘94); Kay Hagan (JD ‘78); Thomas Marshburn (MD ’89); Arnold Palmer (‘51); Chris Paul (’07)

First Year WFU Students Volunteer for Habitat For Humanity

Pro Humanitate

It’s about us, and the greater meaning of what it means to be human. 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. No matter your personal interpretation, it’s an opportunity to leave the world better than we found it.

More on the Office of Civic and Community Engagement