WELCOME FROM THE DIRECTOR

Since its creation in 1834 as a small liberal arts college in eastern North Carolina, Wake Forest has been educating students from all walks of life. Many of the early students came from the region's small towns and farms, rich in faith and community but poor in hard currency. After the Civil War, most southern families had even less money, and finding a way to pay for college was a huge challenge. War veteran James Denmark (pictured) worked for six years in a flour mill before he entered Wake Forest in 1871. Concerned that fellow students could not afford to complete their degrees, he rallied faculty, students and Wake Forest townspeople to start a loan fund. Established by donations in 1875, the James W. Denmark Loan Fund is the oldest college loan program in the United States.

Now a highly ranked national university, Wake Forest is more committed than ever to helping families pay for college. As one of the U.S. News "best-value" national universities, the University provides need-based financial aid to 39% of undergraduates, and 35% receive need-based grants. For the 2009-10 academic year, full-time students with need received an average award of over $32,000, which included scholarship and grant funds of over $25,000. With loans, a work-study job, and summer savings, a student with need can, on average, pay for over three-fifths of total costs. Special awards, such as the Heritage Scholarship, are made to students with significant need from small towns, who might not have otherwise considered Wake Forest.

Beginning with freshmen entering Wake Forest in Fall 2008, first-time students from families with annual income of less than $40,000, whose assets are not unusually high, have their loans capped at $4,000 per year. Other need is met by grants, scholarships and work-study jobs.

The Office of Student Financial Aid exists to help you find the resources you need to attend Wake Forest. It is not hard to apply for financial aid. Read the information contained in these web pages, complete the application forms, and submit the supporting documentation. Call or write us if you have questions. Thanks to James Denmark and the generosity of many others, it's easier now than it was in 1871!

Best wishes,
Bill Wells
Director of Financial Aid