Notre Dame vs Wake Forest University (WFU)

Nestled in the heart of Indiana, the University of Notre Dame, and Wake Forest University, located in the vibrant city of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, stand as two distinct beacons of higher education. While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence and student success, they offer unique experiences that cater to diverse aspirations. Notre Dame, steeped in Catholic tradition, boasts a lower acceptance rate and a student body with a strong sense of community. Wake Forest, known for its liberal arts focus, attracts a more diverse student population and offers a wider range of undergraduate majors. As you embark on your college search, explore the detailed comparison table below to delve into the nuances that set these two esteemed universities apart, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your academic goals and personal preferences.

	University of Notre Dame	Wake Forest University
Overview
Location	Notre Dame, Indiana	Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	City: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	98.0%	94.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation	Catholic

Admission
Acceptance rate	15.1%	25.2%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $75	Undergraduate: $85 Graduate: $80
SAT range	1410 - 1550	N/A
ACT range	32 - 35	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	33.0%
Students submitting ACT score	36.0%
Total number of applicants	23,642	15,156
Total number of admissions given out	3,562	3,816
Admitted students who chose to enroll	2,059	1,412
Yield rate	57.8%	37.0%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$78,347	$79,886
Average net price	$30,513	$24,643
Tuition	$58,336	$58,708
Room & board	$16,304	Room/dormitory: $10,144 Meal plan: $7,870
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	57.0% Average amount $46,306	33.0% Average amount $53,244
Students receiving federal student loan	30.0% Average amount $4,134	17.0% Average amount $4,985
Students taking out private loans	12.0% Average amount $8,564	3.0% Average amount $32,719

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	8,973 Men 51.6% Women 48.4%	5,472 Men 45.7% Women 54.3%
Graduate students	4,166 Men 56.5% Women 43.5%	3,475 Men 42.4% Women 57.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	93.1%	N/A
International students	12.1%	9.8%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	6,919	4,152
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Illinois California Texas Indiana New York	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Engineering Multidisciplinary Studies Social Sciences Legal Profession	Business Health Professions Legal Profession Education Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio	9:1	10:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	95.9%	90.2%
Dropout rate	3.9%	9.5%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business Administration, Management and Operations (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $124,439 Year 2: $123,601 Year 3: $135,572 Finance and Financial Management Services (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $89,269 Year 2: $89,674 Year 3: $126,773 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $120,074 Year 2: $108,092 Year 3: $123,182 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $87,638 Year 2: $85,243 Year 3: $110,135 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $80,593 Year 2: $89,968 Year 3: $105,831 Mathematics and Statistics, Other (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,224 Year 2: $80,273 Year 3: $99,815 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $84,618 Year 2: $86,375 Year 3: $95,904 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,178 Year 2: $74,307 Year 3: $92,866 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,118 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $87,393 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,070 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $85,821	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $169,430 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $155,438 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $96,143 Year 2: $96,587 Year 3: $105,398 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,169 Year 2: $80,510 Year 3: $96,761 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,086 Year 2: $76,836 Year 3: $93,939 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,098 Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $89,902 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $61,076 Year 2: $65,145 Year 3: $79,400 Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,533 Year 2: $66,653 Year 3: $76,702 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $58,731 Year 2: $60,811 Year 3: $72,065 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $57,100 Year 2: $55,693 Year 3: $70,717 Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $56,086 Year 2: $57,411 Year 3: $65,270

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key academic differences between the University of Notre Dame and Wake Forest University?

Notre Dame is renowned for its strong programs in engineering, business, and architecture, as well as its robust humanities and social sciences departments. Wake Forest excels in its undergraduate focus, particularly in business, law, and medicine, with a strong emphasis on personalized attention and a liberal arts foundation. Notre Dame offers a broader range of graduate programs and research opportunities, while Wake Forest prioritizes undergraduate education.
How does the campus environment differ between Notre Dame and Wake Forest?

Notre Dame boasts a classic, collegiate Gothic architecture and a strong sense of tradition, deeply rooted in its Catholic heritage. The campus is known for its vibrant student life, particularly around football season. Wake Forest features a more modern, Georgian-style campus with a focus on community and a more relaxed atmosphere. It's known for its beautiful Reynolda Gardens and a strong emphasis on student well-being.
What is the cost of attendance at Notre Dame versus Wake Forest?

Both universities have similar tuition costs, but the overall cost of attendance, including room and board, books, and personal expenses, can vary slightly. Financial aid packages are available at both institutions, and it's recommended to compare the net cost after financial aid to determine affordability. Check the most recent tuition and fees information on each university's website for the most up-to-date figures.
How selective are Notre Dame and Wake Forest in their admissions processes?

Both Notre Dame and Wake Forest are highly selective institutions. They both seek academically strong students with a demonstrated record of extracurricular involvement and leadership. Notre Dame generally has a slightly lower acceptance rate than Wake Forest, reflecting its larger applicant pool. Both universities consider a holistic review of applications, including academic performance, essays, recommendations, and extracurricular activities.
What are the strengths of the student life experiences at Notre Dame and Wake Forest?

Notre Dame offers a very active student life centered around its Catholic faith, strong athletic programs (especially football), and a wide variety of student clubs and organizations. Wake Forest emphasizes a close-knit community, with a focus on student well-being, a strong Greek life presence, and numerous opportunities for undergraduate research and engagement. Both universities provide a supportive environment for students to thrive.
How do the career services and alumni networks compare at Notre Dame and Wake Forest?

Both universities have robust career services departments that provide resources for internships, job placement, and career counseling. Notre Dame's alumni network is exceptionally strong and geographically diverse, providing extensive networking opportunities. Wake Forest also has a dedicated and active alumni network, particularly strong in the Southeast, offering valuable career support and mentorship.
What are the religious affiliations of Notre Dame and Wake Forest?

The University of Notre Dame is a Catholic university, and its Catholic identity is central to its mission and values. While students of all faiths are welcome, the university's culture and curriculum are influenced by its Catholic heritage. Wake Forest University was founded by Baptists, but it is now a non-denominational institution. While it maintains a historical connection to its Baptist roots, it welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds.
How do the locations of Notre Dame and Wake Forest impact the student experience?

Notre Dame is located in South Bend, Indiana, a mid-sized city with a strong local community and easy access to Chicago. The location provides a traditional college town feel with opportunities for cultural events and outdoor activities. Wake Forest is situated in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, a growing city with a vibrant arts scene and a more temperate climate. The location offers a balance of urban amenities and access to outdoor recreation in the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains.
What are the research opportunities like at Notre Dame and Wake Forest?

Notre Dame offers extensive research opportunities across a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, science, and the humanities. It has significant funding for research and a large graduate student population. Wake Forest emphasizes undergraduate research, providing opportunities for students to work closely with faculty on research projects. While it has fewer graduate programs than Notre Dame, it provides a high level of faculty mentorship for undergraduates.
Which university is a better fit for me: Notre Dame or Wake Forest?

The best fit depends on your individual preferences and goals. If you are seeking a strong Catholic identity, a large university with a broad range of programs, and a vibrant athletic culture, Notre Dame might be a better choice. If you prefer a close-knit community, a strong focus on undergraduate education, and a more personalized learning experience, Wake Forest could be a better fit. Consider visiting both campuses, if possible, and talking to current students to get a better sense of the culture and environment.

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