Wake Forest Unveils Tuition-Free Initiative for North Carolina Students

Lead Wake Forest University announced today that undergraduates from North Carolina families earning less than $200,000 annually will attend tuition-free beginning with the fall 2026 class, expanding its Home-State Gateway program.

Nut Graf The North Carolina Gateway to Wake Forest University initiative aims to broaden access for high-achieving North Carolina students regardless of income, building on the university’s commitment to minimize student debt and strengthen in-state enrollment.

Financial Aid Tiers

• Families ≤ $100,000: Full coverage of tuition and standard living expenses.
• Families $100,001-$200,000: Full tuition coverage; students pay living expenses and fees.
• Families $200,001-$300,000: 50 percent tuition coverage; students responsible for remaining tuition, living expenses, and fees.

Leadership Commentary

“This initiative says clearly to students and families who may not have considered Wake Forest because of cost: ‘Wake Forest is within your reach,’” said President Susan R. Wente. “As a Pell grant recipient, I want every talented North Carolinian to know they can receive a transformational education here,” Wente added.

“More of our undergraduate students come from North Carolina than any other state,” noted Vice President for Enrollment Eric Maguire. “This program provides clarity on out-of-pocket costs from the start.”

Program Impact

The initiative underscores Wake Forest’s pledge to meet 100 percent of demonstrated need for all U.S. citizens, while donor-supported scholarships will fund the expanded aid. By reducing financial barriers, the university anticipates increased applications and enrollment from across North Carolina, reinforcing its role as a statewide educational leader.