Scholarships
Scholarship Programs
Wake Forest’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions offers merit scholarships to fewer than 3% of first-year applicants.
Most scholarships (including the full-cost of attendance Signature Scholarships) do not require a scholarship application, but only a completed admission application by November 15. Finalists for scholarships that require comprehensive interviews or auditions are notified by April.
Merit scholarship programs recognize extraordinary achievement, leadership, and talent. Recipients since 1986 have subsequently earned international and national honors including thirteen Rhodes Scholarships, three Marshall Scholarships, twelve Truman Scholarships, over ninety Fulbright Scholars, and other honors including Gates, Goldwater, Beinecke, and Luce. The Wake Forest Scholars Office provides profiles of selected previous merit scholarship recipients.
Most merit-based scholarships require recipients to maintain full-time enrollment status and on-campus housing.
Some merit-based scholarships also require financial need. A family can estimate financial need by using the Net Price Calculator.
Applicants who believe they might qualify for need-based aid should apply by January 1. Most scholarships at Wake Forest consider financial need as a recipient selection criterion. Separate applications are not required, as recipients are selected based on data from the admission applications and the FAFSA® and CSS Profile® applications.
Wake Forest offers many need-based scholarships from its own funds and from gifts provided by generous individual and corporate donors. Careful internal procedures identify and select recipients so that separate applications are not required.
Please email scholarships@wfu.edu with questions.
Merit Scholarship Program Descriptions
Merit Scholarships for first-year applicants include the Signature Scholarships (full-cost of attendance), other scholarships that require an additional application or materials, and additional scholarships that do not require any additional application or materials. First-year applicants are also automatically considered for scholarships that are available to all students.
- Signature scholarships
- Scholarships requiring an additional application or materials
- Additional renewable scholarships offered to first-year applicants
Signature scholarships
Begun in 1968, Guy T. Carswell Scholarships are awarded to students with outstanding qualities of academic promise, leadership, and talent. Successful applicants have pursued the most challenging curriculum available to them and have achieved grade point averages and standardized test scores (if submitted) that place them in the top percentage in comparison to their peers. Further, Carswell Scholars have typically been leaders in a variety of extracurricular pursuits and won recognition for their interests at the regional, state, or national level.
Carswell Scholarships provide up to five scholarships to cover the annual cost of tuition, room and board, plus $3,400 for personal expenses. Carswell Scholars are encouraged to apply for up to $5,000 for a research, study, or travel project during each of the three summers between the first and senior years.
Finalists are invited to campus for interviews and are notified by the end of March.
Wake Forest awards Joseph G. Gordon scholarships to students who show exceptional promise and achievement and who are members of constituencies traditionally underrepresented at Wake Forest.
Gordon Scholarships have been awarded since 1986, and up to five Gordon Scholars are chosen annually. Each Gordon Scholarship covers the annual cost of tuition, room, and board, plus $3,400 for personal expenses. Gordon Scholars are encouraged to apply for up to $5,000 for a research, study, or travel project during each of the three summers between the first and senior years.
Finalists are invited to campus for interviews and are notified by the end of March.
Begun in 1990, the Graylyn Scholarship is offered to one student each year and recognizes leadership and academic excellence, with funding provided by and in recognition of the Graylyn International Conference Center of Wake Forest University.
Successful applicants have pursued the most challenging curriculum available to them and have achieved grade point averages and standardized test scores (if submitted) that place them in the top percentage in comparison to their peers. Further, Graylyn Scholars have typically been leaders in a variety of extracurricular pursuits and won recognition for their interests at the regional, state, or national level.
The Graylyn Scholarship covers the annual cost of tuition, room and board, plus $3,400 for personal expenses. Graylyn Scholars are encouraged to apply for up to $5,000 for a research, study, or travel project during each of the three summers between the first and senior years.
Finalists are invited to campus for interviews and are notified by the end of March.
We are looking for the best and brightest students who have demonstrated exceptional moral leadership, commitment and purpose. We want students who have overcome great odds, worked hard to accomplish important goals and demonstrated the ability to work on behalf of others. We seek to attract students who have shown virtues such as honesty, diligence, curiosity, generosity, humility and gratitude. In short, we want exceptional students whose lives manifest great character and who seek out a collegiate experience in which leadership and character development will be central.
Many colleges and universities offer full scholarships based on academic achievement, perfect test scores, math and science awards, or accolades in music, art and theatre. Wake Forest proposes to honor another form of excellence: character.
Each incoming class will include a small, selective cohort of top students who will be awarded a full scholarship, based on merit, toward their educational costs. These scholars will participate in leadership and character programming designed specifically for them, and they will be offered experiential learning opportunities to practice leadership and character in service to our campus and within the greater community.
To be eligible for the Leadership and Character Scholarship, students must apply for, and qualify for, need-based financial aid in their first year.
Submit your undergraduate admissions application by December 1 to be considered for this scholarship.
Nancy Susan Reynolds Scholars must be not only excellent students and promising scholars, but also creative leaders who are able to influence others in directions likely to benefit society. They will have achieved unusual distinction in the classroom and beyond. Successful applicants have pursued the most challenging curriculum available to them and have achieved grade point averages and standardized test scores (if submitted) that place them in the top percentage in comparison to their peers. Further, Reynolds Scholars have typically been leaders in a variety of extracurricular pursuits and won recognition for their interests at the regional, state, or national level.
Reynolds Scholarships have been awarded since 1982, and up to five Reynolds Scholars are chosen annually. Each Reynolds Scholarship covers the annual cost of tuition, room, and board, plus $3,400 for personal expenses. Reynolds Scholars are encouraged to apply for up to $5,000 for a research, study, or travel project during each of the three summers between the first and senior years.
Finalists are invited to campus for interviews and are notified by the end of March.
Stamps Scholars must exemplify leadership, perseverance, scholarship, service, and innovation. They will have achieved unusual distinction in the classroom and beyond. Successful applicants have pursued the most challenging curriculum available to them and have achieved grade point averages and standardized test scores (if submitted) that place them in the top percentage in comparison to their peers. Further, Stamps Scholars have typically been leaders in a variety of extracurricular pursuits and won recognition for their interests at the regional, state, or national level.
The Stamps Scholarship is awarded to about fifteen entering first-year students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, a high degree of intellectual curiosity and scholarship, exceptional promise in leadership, service and social responsibility, perseverance, character, integrity, and innovation. Made possible through benefactor E. Roe Stamps IV and his late wife Penny, and through matching funds from Wake Forest University benefactor Mr. Porter B. Byrum, this scholarship annually covers the cost of tuition, fees, room, and board, and includes a $3,400 allowance for books and personal expenses. Scholars may receive up to $15,000 total over their four undergraduate years for approved travel or study projects. Wake Forest Stamps Scholars join a larger Stamps network of approximately 1,000 current undergraduate scholars around the world.
Finalists are invited to campus for interviews and are notified by the end of March.
Scholarships requiring an additional application or materials
These scholarships are based on academic and extracurricular achievement as well as leadership potential. The four-year scholarships are awarded after national high school competition. The three- and two-year scholarships are awarded after national college and university competition.
How to apply
Interested students should write to:
Department of Military Science
Box 7599, Reynolda Station
Winston-Salem, NC, 27109-7599
Wake Forest University offers students who know that they have an interest in entrepreneurship the opportunity to participate in the Program in Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship early in their college experience. The Lelia and David Farr Scholarship is awarded every four years to a student who shows outstanding potential in entrepreneurship. This scholarship carries a value of $5,000 per year and will next be available to a first-year student entering in the fall of 2026.
This scholarship is funded through the generosity of the Lelia and David Farr Family through the endowment for a Faculty Chair in Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship.
For more information about this scholarship, contact Dr. Michael D. Gross at grossmd@wfu.edu.
How to apply
Complete the Wake Forest University application for admission on paper or online.
At least one recommendation should come from someone who can comment on your potential in entrepreneurship.
Include a brief letter asking to be considered for the Farr Scholarship, describing how you became interested in entrepreneurship and how you plan to continue these interests at Wake Forest.
Please send your brief letter to:
Michael D. Gross, Ph. D.
Founding Faculty and Associate Professor, Engineering
David and Leila Farr Faculty Director, Entrepreneurship
Program in Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship
230 Reynolda Hall
Winston-Salem, NC 27106
grossmd@wfu.edu
Your letter of application is due by January 15.
Twenty renewable scholarships of $16,000 each are awarded annually to students admitted to Wake Forest who possess exceptional talents in art, dance, debate, music, and theatre. Though Presidential Scholars need not plan to pursue a major in the area of their talent, they are expected to participate actively in that activity on campus. Interested students must be prepared to present evidence of outstanding talent and are asked by the Presidential Scholarship Committee for documentation of that talent (such as art portfolios, debate records, taped performances, etc.) and recommendations.
The program, begun in 1987, further diversifies the interests and abilities of a campus and student body already rich in both. Presidential Scholars with interest in dance, music, and/or theatre are given preference for an internship with the Secrest Artists Series.
Preference will be given to applicants who apply by November 15. Applications received past November 15 will be considered as talent areas allow. Finalists will be contacted by the beginning of March. Winners are notified in late March.
How to apply
Students must apply using the Presidential Scholarship Application that is available through the student portal.
Wake Forest will continue to award scholarships outside the Presidential Scholarship program to students with special talents in community service, entrepreneurship, leadership, and writing for publication, though no form beyond the Admission application is required for consideration in these areas. Some of these scholarships include the following awards:
- The Hunter Family Scholarship for Community Service and the Louis Patton Hearn Scholarship for Human Service may be awarded to students with strong commitments to community service.
- The Russell Brantley Scholarship for Writing will be awarded to a student with exceptional talent in writing.
More information on the Randall D. Ledford Scholarship (in Physics) can be found on the WFU Physics website.
Begun in 1982, the William Louis Poteat Scholarship program honors one of the university’s most prominent historical figures. William Louis Poteat, a devout Baptist, was a professor of biology, president of the college from 1905-1927, and a widely recognized champion of the freedom of inquiry. These scholarships strengthen Wake Forest’s traditional relationship with its Baptist heritage and the state of North Carolina.
The William Louis Poteat Scholarship is awarded to up to twenty entering needy and worthy first-year students who are active members of a North Carolina Baptist church. The award is based upon excellent academic achievement, promise of leadership, and involvement in one’s church, and recipients must show promise of making a significant contribution to church and society.
The Poteat Scholarship is a competitive need-based scholarship. Applicants should complete both the CSS Profile® and the FAFSA® by January 1, so that need may be determined before the selection process is complete.
Applicants for the Poteat Scholarship must submit a letter of recommendation form completed by a church member by January 1 to:
William Louis Poteat Scholarship Officer
Wake Forest University
P.O. Box 7309
Winston-Salem, NC 27109-7309
Finalists are notified by the end of March.
Additional renewable scholarships offered to first-year applicants
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The 1834 Scholarship assists students with exceptional academic achievement and financial need by reducing loan expectations.
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The Abernethy-Sowers Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations, with preference first to residents of Catawba County, NC, and second to residents of surrounding counties.
The Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (AFROTC) Scholarships are awarded through an education services agreement with NCA&T State University. Interested students should contact the Air Force ROTC Detachment at NCA&T State University.
The Andrew B. McMerty Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need who are US citizens or permanent residents, by reducing loan expectations.
The Anne & John Barry Family Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
The Armstrong–Hartman Scholarship Fund assists US citizens or permanent residents, with preference to students with academic and special talents, from middle-class families, who have demonstrated a passionate desire to attend Wake Forest.
The Armstrong Family Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations, with preference to residents of FL, GA, AR, and PA.
The Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (AROTC) Scholarships are awarded for academic and personal achievement and pay an amount determined by the U.S. Army for tuition; a flat rate for texts, equipment, and supplies; and a subsistence allowance. Interested students should contact the Department of Military Science.
The Aubrey & Andra Martin–Hartman Scholarship Fund assists U.S. citizens or permanent residents, with preference to students with academic and special talents, from middle-class families, who have demonstrated a passionate desire to attend Wake Forest.
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The Baker Family Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
The Bauer Family Fund for Wake Forest Scholars is awarded based on academic merit.
The Beekley–Hartman Scholarship Fund assists U.S. citizens or permanent residents, with preference to students with academic and special talents, from middle-class families, who have demonstrated a passionate desire to attend Wake Forest.
The Berczuk Family Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
The Bobby Carlyle & Margaret Ferguson Raynor Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations, with preference first to NC residents wishing to pursue a career in dentistry, second to other students wishing to pursue a career in dentistry, and third to NC residents wishing to pursue a career as a Christian minister.
The Bragg Family Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
The Byrum Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
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The Caitlin Schmidt Memorial Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
The Carroll Family Scholarship gives preference first to children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren of Wake Forest alumni children from NC, and second to alumni children from counties in VA, SC, GA, or TN that are contiguous with an NC county.
The Charles & Johnnie Murphy Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
The Cooper Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial aid by reducing loan expectations.
The Collins Family Scholarship assists students with financial need who help achieve and sustain the diversity of the student body, with preference first to U.S.-resident Hispanic students who are not U.S. citizens, and second to U.S.-resident Hispanic students.
The Connors-Hartman Scholarship Fund assists U.S. citizens or permanent residents, with preference to students with academic and special talents, who have demonstrated a passionate desire to attend Wake Forest.
The Costaras–Donnelley Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
The Crawford Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
The Curlee-Hodge Scholarship assists students with financial need, with preference first to students not intending a major in the School of Business, and second to students with a physical disability. Recipients must maintain at least a 3.00 cumulative grade point average to be eligible for a renewal of the scholarship.
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The Daniel R. & Barbara F. Shouvlin Scholarship assists students who help achieve and sustain the diversity of the student body.
The D.E. Ward, Jr., M.D. & Sara Henry Ward Family Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
The Dean Family Scholarship assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations, with preference to students with US citizenship.
The Devine Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
The Donald C. & Heidi Hagen Prentiss Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations, with preference first to students from the NC counties of Bertie, Camden, Currituck, Chowan, Dare, Gates, Hertford, Hyde, Martin, Northampton, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrell, or Washington, and second to students from eastern NC.
The Dr. George E. & Lila C. Bradford Scholarship is awarded to outstanding entering first-year students with an intent and capacity to prepare for a career in medicine.
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The Earl F. & Jane P. Slick Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
The Earl Haden Hamilton, Sr. Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
The Eddins Family Scholarship assists students based on ability, character, integrity, leadership, and a desire to make a contribution in their communities, with preference first to residents of Stanly or Polk counties, NC, or Spartanburg County, SC, and preference second to students from North Carolina and South Carolina.
The Edward Otis Burroughs Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations, with preference first to a student who is a musical instrumentalist aspiring to be a church or congregational organist, second to a student who participates in choral music at Wake Forest and who aspires to be a director of choral music, and third to a student who intends to major or minor in physics and who aspires to teach physics in a secondary education setting.
The Egbert L. Davis Jr. Scholarship is awarded to entering first-year students from North Carolina demonstrating outstanding academic performance, diligence, integrity, character, leadership, and reasonable athletic competence. Awards are renewable based on a B average, exemplary personal conduct, and participation in the religious life of the University.
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The Faig Family Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations, with preference first to graduates of public high schools in the greater New York metropolitan area, and second to graduates of public high schools.
The Farmer Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial aid by reducing loan expectations.
The Felman Family – Hartman Scholarship assists US citizens or permanent residents, with preference to students with academic and special talents who have a passionate desire to attend Wake Forest.
The Fideles Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
The First Citizens South Carolina Scholarship assists South Carolina residents who express an interest in pursuing studies in business, accounting, finance, economics, or a related field, with preference to students with financial need.
The Fownes Family Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations, with preference to students interested in premedical studies, chemistry, or biology.
The Frank L. Blum Construction Company Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
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The Gary Franklin Culler Scholarship is awarded to entering first-year students based on ability and leadership potential, with preference to students from High Point, NC.
The George Foster Hankins Scholarships assist students with financial need who are residents of North Carolina or children of alumni/ae living in other states, with preference to residents of Davidson County, NC.
The following funds support the Hankins Scholarship program:
- The Roena B. & Petro Kulynych Scholarship assists students with financial need, with preference first to students from Wilkes County, NC, and second to students from Avery County, NC.
- The Kutteh Family Scholarship assists students with financial need, with strong preference first to students from Iredell County, NC, and second to students from its contiguous counties.
- The Lowden Family Scholarship assists students with financial need, with preference first to students from Montgomery County and second to students from Anson, Stanly, Davidson, Randolph, Moore, or Richmond counties, NC.
- The William Henry McElwee & Douglas Plonk McElwee Scholarship assists students with financial need who graduated from a public high school and are residents of Wilkes County, NC, with preference second to residents of Iredell County, NC.
- The Dr. B.L. & Betty Ferrell Woodard Scholarship assists students with financial need, with first preference to applicants attending North Johnston High School in Kenly, NC, second preference to residents of Johnston County, NC, third preference to residents of a county contiguous to Johnston County, and fourth preference to North Carolina residents.
The George M. & Daisy Olive Beavers Scholarship assists students on the basis of leadership, citizenship, and character.
The George Nelson Turner Scholarship assists students based on leadership ability and merit, with preference to those from North Carolina, who graduated from a public high school, who were academically ranked in the top third of the high school class, who lettered in a varsity sport while attending high school, and who participate in Christian religious and community service activities. Financial need is considered but is not a required or controlling factor.
The Griffin Bennetti–Hartman Scholarship Fund assists US citizens or permanent residents, with preference to students with academic and special talents, from middle-class families, who have demonstrated a passionate desire to attend Wake Forest.
The George Hampton Wall & Billie Olive Wall Family Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
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The Hannah Rose Lyons–Hartman Scholarship assists US citizens or permanent residents, with preference to students with academic and special talents, from middle-class families, who have demonstrated a passionate desire to attend Wake Forest.
The Harold Wayland & Nelle Futch Tribble Scholarship assists students with superior academic ability.
The Heritage Scholarship is awarded to needy entering first-year students who represent the traditional constituency of the student body and who show outstanding academic achievement or potential, a high degree of intellectual curiosity, the enthusiasm and courage to take advantage of a college opportunity, a sense of service and social responsibility, and perhaps special talent in some aspect of the liberal arts.
The Hilsabeck–Hartman Scholarship Fund gives preference to students with academic and special talents, from middle-class families, who have demonstrated a passionate desire to attend Wake Forest.
The Hilsabeck Summer Bridge Scholarship assists two participants in the Summer Bridge program, one who is preferably a member of a Wake Forest athletic team.
The Hiram Abif Myers III Scholarship assists students with financial need who exemplify the ideals and characteristics of Hiram Abif Myers III, such as dedication to his or her studies, a strong sense of purpose, a belief in the promise of the future, a positive and pleasant personality, and a dedication to his or her community, with preference first to graduates of Roswell High School in Roswell, GA, second to children of alumni of Roswell High School, third to graduates of other Roswell or North Fulton County area high schools, and fourth to graduates of high schools in the Southeastern US.
The Hitch Family 1834 Scholarship assists students with exceptional academic achievement and financial need by reducing loan expectations.
The Holleman Family Discovery Scholarship I assists students with merit and financial need who are pursuing or intending to pursue a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) major or minor.
The Holleman Family Discovery Scholarship II assists students with merit and financial need who are pursuing or intending to pursue a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) major or minor.
The Hunter Family Scholarship for Community Service assists students with a strong commitment to community service.
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The J. Lee Keiger Sr. Scholarship assists North Carolinians with preference to students from the ALLTEL-Carolina Telephone Company service region.
The James Capel Mason Scholarship assists worthy students.
The James Family Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
The Jean Hobby Ladd & Guy Richard Ladd Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
The John Aaron & Vida Lee P. Senter Scholarship assists North Carolinians based on ability, diligence, integrity, character, and leadership, with preference to residents of Harnett County, NC, and active members of a Baptist church in North Carolina.
The John G. Williard Financial Aid Fund provides scholarships to students with financial need from NC and surrounding states.
The John G. Williard Scholarship assists middle income students.
The Joseph M. Neal & Kay Fundis Neal Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students from Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and Idaho, with preference to students with financial need, by reducing loan expectations.
The Josephine & Bruce Gunn Memorial Scholarship for Residents of Rockingham County, NC assists graduates of schools located in Rockingham County, NC.
The Junius C. & Eliza P. Brown Scholarships assist residents of North Carolina with financial need, with preference to residents of Rockingham County, NC.
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The Kathleen Kelly & George Hoyle Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
The Kenneth Monroe Tucker Scholarship is awarded to entering first-year students, with preference to students from Wilkes, New Hanover, or Brunswick Counties, NC.
The Knutson Family Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations, with preference to students from VA.
The Kosinski Foundation 1834 Scholarship assists students with exceptional academic achievement and financial need by reducing loan expectations.
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The Lelia & David Farr Scholarship is awarded to entering first-year students with an interest in and acumen for entrepreneurship.
The Leonidas Polk Williams Sr. Scholarship assists students from Chowan, Camden, and Pasquotank counties, NC, on the basis of merit.
The Leroy & Teresa Robinson Scholarship is awarded to entering first-year students from the high schools in Montgomery County, NC, based on academic achievement, diligence, integrity, character, and leadership.
The Lewis–Hartman Scholarship assists US citizens or permanent residents, with preference to students with academic and special talents, from middle-class families, who have demonstrated a passionate desire to attend Wake Forest.
The Lindsay Leiter Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
The Louise Patton Hearn Scholarship for Human Service assists students who have demonstrated exceptional service to improve others’ well-being and who show interest and potential in leading others to make similar contributions to humanity.
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The M. Craig Massey Memorial Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
The Mark C. Christie Scholarship assists students based on merit, with preference to graduates of public high schools in WV or in VA west of Lynchburg.
The Mark Kent Memorial Scholarship gives preference to SC residents.
The Mark Schurmeier 9/11 Peace Fund assists undergraduate students who are residents of the U.S., based on merit and financial need, with preference to students directly affected by the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the U.S., or other victims of political, social, or religious terrorism. The fund may also support student projects, travel, or academic studies dedicated to the reduction or elimination of terrorist activities and the promotion of peace.
The Marshall & Jo Walker Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
The Mary Virginia Kyle Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations, with preference first to students who have been raised by a divorced or widowed single mother, and second to students from the Southeast US.
The McMullen Family Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
The Merit Supplemental Scholarship is awarded to entering first-year students showing exceptional promise who are members of constituencies historically underrepresented in the College.
The Molly Dingledine Scholarship assists students with financial need and artistic ability, with preference first to majors, and second to minors, in studio art.
The Moore Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations, with preference to students from rural NC.
The Morgan Elizabeth Lyons–Hartman Scholarship assists U.S. citizens or permanent residents, with preference to students with academic and special talents, from middle-class families, who have demonstrated a passionate desire to attend Wake Forest.
The Morrison Family Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
The Motamed Scholarship assists first-generation college students, with preference to students who are, or whose parents are, residents of the U.S. but not U.S. citizens, to help achieve and sustain the diversity of the student body.
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The Neville Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
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The O.W. Wilson Scholarship is awarded to entering first-year students with superior records and excellent potential.
The O.W. Wilson-Yancey County Scholarship assists students with financial need from Yancey County, NC, with excellent academic records.
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The Patricia Heiges Brown Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
The Paula S. Henson Scholarship assists students from the Appalachian region.
The Peter & Yamile Jimenez Scholarship assists students with financial need, with preference to Hispanic or Latino students from FL.
The Pappas Family Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
The Presidential Scholarship for Distinguished Achievement, valued at $16,000 annually, is awarded to up to twenty entering first-year students based on exceptional talent in art, dance, debate, music, and theatre. A separate application is due December 1. The following funds support the Presidential Scholarship for Distinguished Achievement program.
- The Annenberg Presidential Scholarship assists students based on merit, exceptional talent, and leadership, with preference to students who express strong communication skills, such as in the areas of writing or debate.
- The Burchfield Presidential Scholarship assists a student based on merit, exceptional talent, and leadership.
- The John J. Carpenter Family Presidential Scholarship assists a student based on merit, exceptional talent, and leadership.
- The Ceruzzi Presidential Scholarship assists students based on merit, exceptional talent, and leadership.
- The Steven & Laurie Eskind Presidential Scholarship assists a student based on merit, exceptional talent, and leadership.
- The Kitty Green Presidential Scholarship assists students based on merit, exceptional talent, and leadership.
- The Hurst Family Presidential Scholarship assists students based on merit, exceptional talent, and leadership.
- The Milhaupt Presidential Scholarship assists students based on merit, exceptional talent, and leadership.
- The Strobel Presidential Scholarship assists students based on merit, exceptional talent, and leadership.
- The Thorkelson Presidential Scholarship assists students based on merit, exceptional talent, and leadership
- The Webb Presidential Scholarship assists students based on merit, exceptional talent, and leadership
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The Randall D. Ledford Scholarship assists a physics major or a student planning to major in physics.
The Randall D. Ledford Scholarship II assists NC residents who are physics majors or who plan to declare a major in physics.
The Riley Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations, with preference to students interested in participating in the Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship Program.
The Robert P. & Dorothy Caldwell Scholarship is awarded to entering first-year students based on academic achievement, leadership, community service, and a commitment to helping others. A portion of these funds gives preference to students with financial need from Gaston and Catawba, NC, counties.
The Robert P. Holding Scholarship is awarded to an entering first-year student from North Carolina (with strong preference to eastern North Carolina) demonstrating strong academic talent and exceptional promise in civic leadership. The Holding Scholarship is a competitive need-based scholarship.
The Robert T. Baker Scholarship is awarded to entering first-year students, with preference to NC residents.
The Rowland Family Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
The Roy O. Rodwell Sr. Scholarship assists a student each year up to the cost of tuition, with preference to North Carolinians.
The Russell Brantley Scholarship for Writing assists a student based on merit and exceptional talent in writing, with preference to creative writers.
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The Samuel T. Gladding Scholarship assists students based on merit, leadership, and community service, with preference to students from Alabama.
The Scarborough Family Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations, with preference to students with a parent who is a public school teacher in NC or SC, and renewable with a minimum 3.30 cumulative grade point average and enrollment in at least one economics course at Wake Forest
The Shelley & Tom Jennings Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
The Speas-Hartman Scholarship assists students with academic and special talents, from middle-class families, who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States of America.
The Stanton Family Scholarship assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
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The Thomas Monteleon Scholarship assists students with financial need, with preference to students whose parents are employed as first responders or are otherwise involved in rendering emergency aid.
The Todd & Deborah House Endowed Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
The Toll Family Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
The Townsend Family Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
The Trinity Scholarship by K. Wayne Smith and Family is awarded to entering first-year students with financial need, with preference to residents of Catawba, Burke, Caldwell, and Alexander counties, NC, and to children of full-time employees of OCLC, Inc. of Dublin, OH.
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The USS Scholarship is awarded to entering first-year students based on academic performance and leadership, with preference to children of USS Corporation or its eligible subsidiaries.
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The Van Duzee–Hartman Scholarship assists U.S. citizens, with preference to students with academic and special talents, from middle-class families, who have demonstrated a passionate desire to attend Wake Forest.
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The Wake Forest Cultural Diversity Scholarship established by Linda J. Gamble, assists students whose residence is outside of the U.S., based on academic ability and potential to add to the diversity and cultural awareness of the Wake Forest community.
The Walkey Family College Endowment for Middle Income Students assists students from middle income families.
The Waters Family Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
The Weaver–Hartman Scholarship Fund assists U.S. citizens or permanent residents, with preference to students with academic and special talents, from middle-class families, who have demonstrated a passionate desire to attend Wake Forest.
The Werstler Family Scholarship assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations, with preference to students from middle income families with a parent who is employed as a skilled worker in an industry or trade.
The William Burnett Harvey & Emma Ballenger Harvey Scholarship assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
The William G. Starling Scholarship assists students with financial need based on their ability, character, integrity, leadership, and desire to make a contribution to the community in which they live.
The William Louis Poteat Scholarship is awarded to up to twenty entering first-year students with financial need who are active members of a North Carolina Baptist church and are likely to make significant contributions to church and society. A letter of recommendation from a church member is due January 1. The following funds support the William Louis Poteat Scholarship program.
- The Ben T. Aycock Jr./Minta Aycock McNally Scholarship
- The Rev. Benjamin S. Beach Scholarship
- The Rev. Edgar Douglas & Jean Sholar Christman Scholarship, established by the Ministerial Council of Wake Forest University
- The Cockman/Gore Scholarship
- The H. Max Craig Jr. Scholarship, established by Winfred Norman Hasty Jr.
- The Nathan D. Dail Scholarship, established by Robert L. & Barbara D. Whiteman
- The Davis Poteat Scholarship
- The Evans Family Scholarship
- The W.D. & Alberta B. Holleman Memorial Scholarship
- The E. Glen & Joyce Holt Scholarship
- The Lynn Hampton Parker Scholarship
- The Walter & Eva Reynolds Scholarship
- The Roy & Doris Smith Scholarship
- The Minnie & Fred Stone Scholarship
The Willsey Family 1834 Scholarship assists students with exceptional academic achievement and financial need by reducing loan expectations.
The Winston & Elizabeth Dozier Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
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The Yezzi Fund for Wake Forest Scholars assists students with financial need by reducing loan expectations.
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The Zachary T. Smith Leadership Scholarship, established by the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, is awarded to entering first-year students with financial need from North Carolina with outstanding leadership evidence and promise, often to reduce loan expectations.
The Zeno Martin College Scholarship assists students based on academic performance, diligence, integrity, character, and leadership, who graduated from a high school located in the NC counties of Yadkin, McDowell, or Wake, with preference to Yadkin.
Scholarships for Continuing Students
If you are a continuing student, available scholarships can be found on the Scholarships for Continuing Students page.