Is Wake Forest University Worth It?
Winston-Salem, NC · Large city · 5,485 students · Data: College Scorecard, June 2026 release
Wake Forest University is a R2 Research University located in large city in Winston-Salem, NC. It enrolls approximately 5,485 students. The acceptance rate is 22%, making it selective. 89% of students finish within 6 years (150% of normal time) — a strong result. With $78,158 median earnings and $21,500 median debt, median debt equals about 3 months of gross pay (estimate) — a solid ROI. 88% of borrowers are making progress on their loans 3 years after leaving school (College Scorecard).
Liberal-leaning student body
2.78 liberal students for every 1 conservative student (FIRE survey). Free speech rank 159 of 261, grade F.
Full campus politics breakdown →Source: FIRE 2027 College Free Speech Rankings (student survey fielded 2026 by College Pulse)
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