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Fayetteville State University vs Wake Forest University

Fayetteville State University is a public university in Fayetteville, NC, and Wake Forest University is a private university in Winston-Salem, NC. Wake Forest University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 22% of applicants against 82% at Fayetteville State University. Fayetteville State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $7,892 a year against $28,719 at Wake Forest University. About 90% of students graduate at Wake Forest University, compared with 37% at Fayetteville State University. Ten years after enrolling, Wake Forest University alumni earn a median of about $78,158, against $40,144 for Fayetteville State University.

Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville, NC · Public

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Fayetteville, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
5,762
5,485
Acceptance rate
82%
22%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.26–3.76
3.52–4
SAT (middle 50%)
890–1090
1410–1520
ACT (middle 50%)
15–19
32–34
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$7,892
$28,719
Full cost / yr
$16,652
$87,499
In-state tuition
$4,353
$67,642
Out-of-state tuition
$8,353
$67,642
Application fee
$50
$85
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$6,233
$6,525
$30k - $48k
$6,908
$6,331
$48k - $75k
$8,983
$7,647
$75k - $110k
$13,354
$12,771
Over $110k
$14,112
$58,081
Outcomes
Graduation rate
37%
90%
Freshman retention
75%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$37,831
$67,722
Median earnings (10 yr)
$40,144
$78,158
Median debt at graduation
$22,987
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
57%
10%
First-generation students
41%
12%
International students
1%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Nov 15
Regular decision
Apr 3
Jan 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Fayetteville State University or Wake Forest University harder to get into?
Wake Forest University is harder to get into. It admits about 22% of applicants, compared with 82% at Fayetteville State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Fayetteville State University or Wake Forest University?
Fayetteville State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $7,892 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $28,719 at Wake Forest University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Fayetteville State University and Wake Forest University?
Before aid, Fayetteville State University costs about $16,652 a year and Wake Forest University about $87,499. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Fayetteville State University or Wake Forest University?
Fayetteville State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,233 there, against about $6,525 at Wake Forest University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Fayetteville State University or Wake Forest University?
Fayetteville State University is the larger of the two, with about 5,762 undergraduates against 5,485 at Wake Forest University.
Does Fayetteville State University or Wake Forest University have a better graduation rate?
Wake Forest University has the higher graduation rate, at about 90% against 37% at Fayetteville State University.
Do graduates of Fayetteville State University or Wake Forest University earn more?
Wake Forest University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $78,158 ten years after enrolling, against about $40,144 for Fayetteville State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Fayetteville State University and Wake Forest University require SAT or ACT scores?
Fayetteville State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Wake Forest University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Fayetteville State University and Wake Forest University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 890–1090 at Fayetteville State University and 1410–1520 at Wake Forest University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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