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 over 8,000 students from 48 states and 46 countries. We are a vibrant and diverse academic community where our students study in one or more of the 42 majors and programs we offer within our six colleges and schools.

In September 2017, U.S. News ranked Wake Forest #27 in the country in their “Best Colleges” listings. From the same report, we were also ranked #12 in “Strong Commitment to Undergraduate Teaching” and #23 in “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 (2017-18): 8,116 (5,102 undergrad, 3,014 graduate)
48: States represented in undergraduate population
46: Foreign countries represented in undergraduate population
28%: Ethnic diversity
6,281: Full-time faculty and staff*

*Includes Reynolda Campus and Medical Center

Physical Chemistry Lab

How We Learn

42: Majors offered (Undergrad)
63: Minors offered
6: Colleges and schools
10 to 1: Student: Faculty ratio
99%: Portion of all undergraduate classes with fewer than 50 students.
57%: Portion of Class of 2016 graduates who studied abroad.

WF Ironworks in the Fall

How We Rank

#27: Best National Universities*
#12: Strong Commitment to Undergraduate Teaching*
#23: Best Value*
#39: High School Counselors’ Top Picks*
#3: Study Abroad Participation*
#14: Need-Based Financial Aid*
#1: National rank in Fall Campus Beauty

*U.S. News, Sept. 2017

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
94%: Student-athlete graduation rate as measured by the NCAA

Statue of Arnold Palmer on WFU Campus

Who We Become (Alumni)

72,618: Living degree recipients
50: U.S. states in which they live
39%: Portion who live in North Carolina
97: 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)

Pro Humanitate

It’s about us, and the greater meaning 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.