Wake Forest University Tuition 2026: Costs, Fees, Aid, Payment Plan and Net Price Guide
Wake Forest tuition searchers usually want the real yearly cost first. For 2026-2027, Wake Forest lists $71,894 full-time undergraduate tuition, $98,730 total cost of attendance for students living on or off campus, and $84,674 for students living with parents.
This guide answers Wake Forest tuition fees, in-state and out-of-state cost, room and board, per semester tuition, part-time tuition, North Carolina Gateway aid, FAFSA/CSS Profile codes, payment plan, billing due dates, health insurance, and what families should check before paying.
2026-2027 full-time undergraduate tuition.
Total estimated cost for students living on or off campus.
Total estimated cost for students living with parents.
Health insurance premium can be waived if eligible.
Quick answer: what should a family budget for Wake Forest?
A student living on or off campus should start with the $98,730 official cost-of-attendance estimate before financial aid.
A commuter student living with parents should start with the $84,674 estimate before aid.
Wake Forest tuition guide quick navigation
Wake Forest tuition and fees 2026-2027: official undergraduate cost breakdown
This is the core information students and parents search for. Wake Forest separates direct charges from estimated costs used for financial aid planning.
| Cost item | Amount | Type | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $71,894 | Direct charge | Main academic cost and primary search intent. |
| Fees | $1,276 | Direct charge | Standard fees include activity, wellness, and health service. |
| Tuition + fees | $73,170 | Direct charge | Best quick answer for “Wake Forest tuition fees.” |
| Housing | $12,900 | Direct charge if campus housing | Room cost for on-campus budget planning. |
| Food | $7,396 | Direct charge if meal plan | Meal/board budget used in the cost estimate. |
| Room and board | $20,296 | Living cost | Housing + food for room-and-board searches. |
| Tuition, fees, housing, food | $93,466 | Main billed-cost estimate | Closer to what families expect on the annual bill before aid. |
| Personal expenses | $1,930 | Estimated | Daily spending, clothing, supplies, and personal needs. |
| Transportation | $1,550 | Estimated | Travel can be higher for out-of-state or international students. |
| Federal Direct Loan avg. fee | $64 | Estimated if borrowing | Loan-related allowance used in aid budgeting. |
| Books, course materials, supplies, equipment | $1,720 | Estimated | Course-specific books and materials may vary by major. |
| Total estimated cost | $98,730 | Cost of attendance | Best full planning number before aid for living on/off campus. |
Wake Forest undergraduate cost of attendance · Wake Forest tuition and fees
Wake Forest cost if living with parents
Wake Forest provides a separate cost estimate for students living with parents. This estimate is lower because housing and food allowances are different.
| Cost item | Amount | What changed? |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $71,894 | Same tuition as other full-time undergraduates. |
| Fees | $1,436 | Includes standard fees and technology fee for off-campus students. |
| Housing | $1,940 | Lower housing allowance for living with parents. |
| Food | $4,930 | Lower food allowance than residential estimate. |
| Books/materials | $1,720 | Same planning allowance. |
| Personal expenses | $1,930 | Same planning allowance. |
| Transportation | $1,550 | Same planning allowance. |
| Federal Direct Loan avg. fee | $64 | Loan-related allowance if borrowing. |
| Total estimated cost | $84,674 | Best planning number before aid for living with parents. |
Popular Wake Forest tuition searches answered fast
These are the quick answers students and parents usually need before they read deeper.
Wake Forest tuition fees
$73,170 for tuition and standard fees.
That is $71,894 tuition + $1,276 fees for students living on or off campus.
Wake Forest tuition per year
$71,894 tuition only.
Full estimated cost is $98,730 for living on or off campus.
Wake Forest tuition per semester
$35,947 full-time undergraduate tuition per semester.
Semester bills may include fees, housing, food, insurance, orientation, or other charges.
Wake Forest room and board
$20,296 for housing and food.
Housing is $12,900 and food is $7,396.
Wake Forest cost of attendance
$98,730 for living on or off campus.
$84,674 for living with parents.
Wake Forest in-state tuition
No separate in-state tuition rate.
Wake Forest is private, but North Carolina students may qualify for special Gateway aid.
Wake Forest out-of-state tuition
No separate out-of-state tuition rate.
Out-of-state students should compare net price, travel, aid, and housing.
Wake Forest part-time tuition
$2,996 per credit hour.
Students need approval before registering for fewer than 12 hours.
Wake Forest summer tuition 2026
$950 per credit hour for undergraduate summer school 2026.
Summer billing may follow a different notification and due-date schedule.
Wake Forest payment plan
Monthly payment plan enrollment fee is $130 per semester.
Families should confirm plan deadlines before relying on installments.
Wake Forest in-state vs out-of-state tuition: direct answer
Wake Forest is a private university, so it does not use the public-school model of lower in-state tuition and higher out-of-state tuition.
| Searcher query | Answer | What matters more? |
|---|---|---|
| Wake Forest in-state tuition | No separate in-state rate. | North Carolina Gateway aid, need-based aid, family income, assets. |
| Wake Forest out-of-state tuition | No separate out-of-state rate. | Travel, housing, net price, aid package, scholarships. |
| Wake Forest international cost | Use the same undergraduate tuition table, but check visa, insurance, travel, and aid rules. | Transportation, exchange rates, health insurance, payment timing. |
Wake Forest extra fees, health insurance, orientation, and course charges
Some costs do not show up clearly when users search only “Wake Forest tuition.” These smaller charges can still affect the first bill.
| Charge | Amount | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Student Activity Fee | $230 | Part of standard undergraduate fees. |
| Student Health Fee | $624 | Part of standard student fees. |
| Wellness Fee | $422 | Part of standard fees. |
| Technology Fee | $80 per semester | Applies to off-campus students. |
| New Student Orientation Fee | $380 | Assessed to new students in their first semester. |
| Health Insurance Premium | $3,210 | Can be waived if the student has qualifying coverage and completes the required process. |
| Music Fees | $350 / $700 | Listed for 1/2 hour and 1 hour music instruction. |
| Audit Fee | $75 per hour | For audited undergraduate coursework. |
Wake Forest financial aid: grants, scholarships, Gateway, FAFSA and CSS Profile
Wake Forest aid can include need-based grants, merit scholarships, loans, and outside scholarships. The most important step is to apply correctly and early.
002978 for Wake Forest.
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NC families under $200,000 may attend tuition-free if eligible.
NC Gateway may cover tuition and standard living expenses.
| Aid topic | What it means | Action for students |
|---|---|---|
| Need-based grants | Based on family financial information from FAFSA and CSS Profile. | Submit both forms by the admission-plan deadline. |
| Merit scholarships | May be based on academic performance, artistic or athletic talent, or other student contributions. | Check scholarship rules and deadlines separately from need-based aid. |
| North Carolina Gateway | Beginning Fall 2026, eligible NC students from families under $200,000 attend tuition-free. | Submit FAFSA, CSS Profile, and tax documents each cycle to remain eligible. |
| NC families under $100,000 | Gateway aid may cover tuition and standard living expenses. | Do not rule out Wake Forest based on sticker price. |
| NC families $200,000-$300,000 | Gateway may cover 50% of tuition. | Still apply for aid and compare final net price. |
| Outside scholarships | Private scholarships from employers, nonprofits, foundations, or local groups. | Report awards and confirm how they affect your aid package. |
Wake Forest financial aid deadlines and forms for 2026-2027
Wake Forest requires students seeking need-based institutional aid to complete the CSS Profile. FAFSA may also be required for federal aid eligibility.
| Applicant type | Deadline | What to file |
|---|---|---|
| Early Decision I | December 1, 2025 | CSS Profile, FAFSA if applicable, and requested documents. |
| Early Action | December 1, 2025 | CSS Profile, FAFSA if applicable, and requested documents. |
| Early Decision II | January 1, 2026 | CSS Profile, FAFSA if applicable, and requested documents. |
| Regular Decision | January 1, 2026 | CSS Profile, FAFSA if applicable, and requested documents. |
| Transfer | March 15, 2026 | CSS Profile and requested financial aid documents. |
| Spring Transfer | November 1, 2026 | CSS Profile and requested financial aid documents. |
Wake Forest Net Price Calculator: estimate cost after aid
The Net Price Calculator is the best first step if the $98,730 cost estimate looks too high. It estimates cost minus grants and scholarships.
How to pay Wake Forest tuition: Workday, eCheck, 529 plan and payment plan
Wake Forest says online payment through Workday is the preferred payment method for tuition and fees. Debit and credit cards are not accepted for student account charges.
Wake Forest monthly payment plan: what families should know
A payment plan may help families avoid paying the full semester balance at once. It still needs planning because enrollment is not free.
| Question | Answer | Family tip |
|---|---|---|
| Enrollment fee | $130 per semester | Nonrefundable and charged separately from scheduled payments. |
| Who should consider it? | Families that want to spread eligible charges across installments. | Compare plan cash flow with savings, 529 timing, and loan disbursement timing. |
| What if the enrollment fee fails? | The monthly plan agreement may terminate. | Use a reliable payment account and confirm the setup posted. |
| Does it replace financial aid? | No. | Use it only after grants, scholarships, loans, and outside awards are considered. |
Wake Forest billing dates and payment due dates
Wake Forest publishes a billing and payment schedule by semester. Families should check Workday after the notification date and pay before the due date.
| Semester | Notification issued | Payment due | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | July 2 | August 1 | Review tuition, fees, housing, food, aid, insurance, and payment plan. |
| Spring | November 2 | December 1 | Recheck aid credits, 529 payments, payment plan, and account balance. |
| Summer Sessions | May 2 | June 1 | Confirm summer tuition, fees, and course enrollment. |
| Online Counseling summer tuition | April 2 | May 1 | Different summer schedule; check program-specific bill. |
Refunds, overpayments and direct deposit
If scholarships, loans, or 529 payments create a credit balance, students should know how refunds work.
Wake Forest encourages students to set up direct deposit in Workday for faster, secure refund access.
Students can use Student Financials and Payment Elections to set up refund payment details.
Request 529 funds early enough to arrive before the payment deadline.
Compare the current balance with expected aid before sending large extra payments.
Wake Forest tuition contacts, office address and map
Use Student Financial Services for billing and payment. Use Student Financial Aid for grants, FAFSA/CSS Profile, scholarships, and aid review.
Best for: tuition bill, Workday account, payments, due dates, monthly payment plan, 529 payments, refunds, account balance.
Official site: Student Financial Services
Best for: grants, scholarships, FAFSA, CSS Profile, net price calculator, North Carolina Gateway, need-based aid.
Phone: 336.758.5154
Address: Student Financial Aid, 4 Reynolda Hall, Winston-Salem, NC 27109
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wake Forest University map
Student and parent checklist before paying Wake Forest tuition
FAQs about Wake Forest University tuition 2026
How much is Wake Forest tuition for 2026-2027?
Wake Forest full-time undergraduate tuition is $71,894 for 2026-2027.
What are Wake Forest tuition and fees together?
For students living on or off campus, tuition is $71,894 and standard fees are $1,276, making tuition and fees $73,170.
What is Wake Forest total cost of attendance?
The total estimated cost is $98,730 for students living on or off campus and $84,674 for students living with parents.
What is Wake Forest room and board?
For 2026-2027, housing is $12,900 and food is $7,396, making room and board $20,296.
Does Wake Forest have in-state tuition?
No. Wake Forest is private, so it does not charge a separate in-state tuition rate.
Does Wake Forest have out-of-state tuition?
No. Wake Forest does not charge a separate out-of-state undergraduate tuition rate.
How much is Wake Forest tuition per semester?
Full-time undergraduate tuition is $35,947 per semester.
How much is Wake Forest part-time tuition?
Part-time undergraduate tuition is $2,996 per credit hour, with approval required before registering for fewer than 12 hours.
Can North Carolina students attend Wake Forest tuition-free?
Beginning Fall 2026, eligible North Carolina undergraduate students from families under $200,000 may attend tuition-free through the North Carolina Gateway to Wake Forest University program.
Does Wake Forest accept credit cards for tuition?
No. Wake Forest states that debit and credit cards are not accepted for student account charges.
Does Wake Forest offer a monthly payment plan?
Yes. Wake Forest offers a monthly payment plan with a $130 nonrefundable enrollment fee per semester.
What are Wake Forest billing due dates?
Fall payment is due August 1, Spring payment is due December 1, and Summer Sessions payment is due June 1. Online Counseling summer tuition has a May 1 due date.