WFU Ranked Among Top 30 National Universities

The 1999 guide also includes Wake Forest among national universities “that offer the best value.”

Ranked 29th among the best national universities in the United States, Wake Forest gets high marks from U.S. News for its small classes, low student-faculty ratio, high graduation and retention rates, financial resources and alumni giving rate.

“This ranking confirms our philosophy that focusing intensely on the academic mission strengthens institutions,” said Sandra C. Boyette, vice president for university advancement. “At Wake Forest, our mission directs us to create extraordinary academic opportunity and to foster the development of service to others as part of the college experience. We are glad to see that the U.S. News criteria affirm our efforts.”

In the listing of national “Schools that Offer the Best Value,” Wake Forest ranks in the top 50. It is No. 36 in the best value list.

During 1997, a record number of prospective students — 7,541 — visited Wake Forest’s Welcome Center for information sessions and tours. This fall, 1,004 freshmen are entering Wake Forest.

Approximately two-thirds of Wake Forest students receive financial aid, with about one-third receiving need-based assistance. Wake Forest maintains a need-blind admissions policy, meaning that qualified students are admitted regardless of their financial circumstances.

Wake Forest freshmen enter the university as it begins the third year of the Wake Forest Undergraduate Plan, which is designed to enhance undergraduate education through new computer technology, classes, faculty, scholarships and more. The plan has received national recognition, in part, because it has provided laptop computers to students and led to the networking of the entire campus. Since the plan’s launch in 1996, each freshman class has been equipped with IBM ThinkPads, which are used in a number of classes in different disciplines.

The fall semester opens Aug. 26 with many recently completed construction and renovation projects. The projects include a new residence hall offering townhouse-style living; renovations to several residence halls; a new building for the university’s Information Systems department and ROTC classes; and the completion of a major renovation to Wait Chapel and the adjoining Wingate Hall, which houses the university’s religion department and new divinity school (scheduled to open in 1999).