Wake Forest University Offers Tuition-Free Education for NC Students

Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has introduced a significant initiative that will allow some admitted undergraduates from the state to attend tuition-free starting in the fall semester of 2026. The program, named the North Carolina Gateway to Wake Forest University, aims to make higher education more accessible for families with varying income levels.

Under this initiative, tuition and standard living expenses will be fully covered for students from North Carolina whose family income is $100,000 or less. For those with a family income between $100,000 and $200,000, tuition will be covered, but students will need to pay for their living expenses and any applicable fees. Additionally, students whose families earn between $200,000 and $300,000 will receive a 50% tuition reduction.

President Susan R. Wente emphasized the university’s commitment to supporting local students. “The North Carolina Gateway to Wake Forest University demonstrates our deep commitment to students from our home state,” she stated. Wente added that the initiative sends a clear message to families who may have previously viewed Wake Forest as financially out of reach: “Wake Forest is within your reach.”

Vice President for Enrollment Eric Maguire highlighted the importance of affordability for North Carolina families. “More of our undergraduate students come from North Carolina than from any other state,” he noted. “The program will allow families to see and understand their likely out-of-pocket costs from the beginning. That level of assurance and transparency will help more North Carolina families envision Wake Forest as a possibility.”

The university expressed gratitude to its donors who contribute to scholarship and financial aid programs. Wente remarked, “Their investments in undergraduate scholarships and financial aid at Wake Forest are crucial to our ongoing efforts to increase access and affordability for low and middle-income families.”

This initiative marks a pivotal step in enhancing education opportunities for students in North Carolina, aiming to reduce the financial barriers that often accompany higher education. As the program gears up for its launch in 2026, Wake Forest University seeks to foster a more inclusive educational environment that accommodates diverse economic backgrounds, ensuring that all students can pursue their academic aspirations without the burden of excessive financial strain.