COVID-19 information, including a dashboard, is available on Our Way Forward » About Wake Forest 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 25th consecutive year. In addition to the overall standing of 28th place, Wake Forest stands at 24th for Best Value. More facts at a glance about Wake Forest University are provided below. 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 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 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 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 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 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) 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 WAKE FOREST NEWS EXPLORE MORE OF WFU Directories Research at WFU Employment Opportunities Human Resources Social Media Thrive (Wellbeing) A Private Liberal Arts University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina / Founded 1834 / Pro Humanitate 34° Search our site: WHERE TO START Admissions Majors & Minors Schedule a Visit Affordability Apply to WFU College & Schools GET TO KNOW WFU About Wake Forest Campus Life Athletics Visitor Information Wake Downtown Experience Winston-Salem RESOURCES Human Resources Event Calendar News Libraries Wellbeing Campus Map WORK AT WAKE DIRECTORIES CONTACT Support Wake Forest A gift to the Wake Forest Fund supports student needs immediately. GIVE NOW Wake Forest Giving Societies Where the most loyal Wake Forest supporters belong. JOIN TODAY 1834 Wake Forest Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27109 Affiliates Privacy Emergency Non‑Discrimination social.wfu.edu ® 2021 Wake Forest University