Wake Forest University vs Carolina University
Wake Forest University is a private university in Winston-Salem, NC, and Carolina 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 40% at Carolina University. Carolina University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $20,828 a year against $28,719 at Wake Forest University. About 90% of students graduate at Wake Forest University, compared with 24% at Carolina University. Ten years after enrolling, Wake Forest University alumni earn a median of about $78,158, against $32,864 for Carolina University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Winston-Salem, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
5,485
460
Acceptance rate
22%
40%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.52–4
3.24–3.94
SAT (middle 50%)
1410–1520
840–1060
ACT (middle 50%)
32–34
16–21
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,719
$20,828
Full cost / yr
$87,499
$32,680
In-state tuition
$67,642
$17,575
Out-of-state tuition
$67,642
$17,575
Application fee
$85
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$6,525
$17,738
$30k - $48k
$6,331
$17,560
$48k - $75k
$7,647
$22,993
$75k - $110k
$12,771
$23,597
Over $110k
$58,081
$24,152
Outcomes
Graduation rate
90%
24%
Freshman retention
93%
56%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$67,722
$30,657
Median earnings (10 yr)
$78,158
$32,864
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
$20,287
Student body
Pell grant recipients
10%
37%
First-generation students
12%
33%
International students
6%
33%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 1
Jul 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.
- Is Wake Forest University or Carolina University harder to get into?
- Wake Forest University is harder to get into. It admits about 22% of applicants, compared with 40% at Carolina 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, Wake Forest University or Carolina University?
- Carolina University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $20,828 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 Wake Forest University and Carolina University?
- Before aid, Carolina University costs about $32,680 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, Wake Forest University or Carolina University?
- Wake Forest University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,525 there, against about $17,738 at Carolina University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Wake Forest University or Carolina University?
- Wake Forest University is the larger of the two, with about 5,485 undergraduates against 460 at Carolina University.
- Does Wake Forest University or Carolina University have a better graduation rate?
- Wake Forest University has the higher graduation rate, at about 90% against 24% at Carolina University.
- Do graduates of Wake Forest University or Carolina University earn more?
- Wake Forest University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $78,158 ten years after enrolling, against about $32,864 for Carolina University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Wake Forest University and Carolina University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Wake Forest University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Carolina University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Wake Forest University and Carolina University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1410–1520 at Wake Forest University and 840–1060 at Carolina University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Wake Forest University vs Duke UniversityWake Forest University vs North Carolina A & T State UniversityWake Forest University vs University of North Carolina WilmingtonCarolina University vs University of North Carolina School of the ArtsCarolina University vs Saint Augustine's UniversityCarolina University vs Brevard College
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