Wake Forest University Announces Tuition-Free Program for North Carolina Undergraduates

Wake Forest University has unveiled the "North Carolina Gateway to Wake Forest University" initiative, offering tuition-free education to admitted undergraduate students from North Carolina families earning less than $200,000 annually, starting in the fall of 2026.

 

For students from families with incomes below $100,000, financial aid will also cover standard living expenses, ensuring a comprehensive support package. Those with family incomes between $200,000 and $300,000 will be eligible for financial aid covering 50% of tuition costs.

 

President Susan R. Wente emphasized the university's commitment to its home state, stating, "The North Carolina Gateway to Wake Forest University demonstrates our deep commitment to students from our home state. It says clearly to students and families who may not have considered Wake Forest because of cost: 'Wake Forest is within your reach.'" ([news.wfu.edu](https://news.wfu.edu/2025/09/17/wake-forest-university-will-be-tuition-free-for-admitted-students-from-north-carolina-families-earning-less-than-200000/?utm_source=openai))

 

Vice President for Enrollment Eric Maguire highlighted the program's goal of enhancing affordability and transparency for North Carolina families, noting that more undergraduate students come from North Carolina than any other state. ([news.wfu.edu](https://news.wfu.edu/2025/09/17/wake-forest-university-will-be-tuition-free-for-admitted-students-from-north-carolina-families-earning-less-than-200000/?utm_source=openai))

 

This initiative is part of Wake Forest's ongoing efforts to minimize student loans by increasing financial aid and scholarships, aiming to make higher education more accessible to talented students across the income spectrum. ([news.wfu.edu](https://news.wfu.edu/2025/09/17/wake-forest-university-will-be-tuition-free-for-admitted-students-from-north-carolina-families-earning-less-than-200000/?utm_source=openai))

 

Prospective students and families seeking more information are encouraged to contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at admissions@wfu.edu or the Office of Student Financial Aid at finaid@wfu.edu.