New classical college in Wake Forest marks historic commencement of first class

Thales College, a private three-year college in Wake Forest, North Carolina, graduated its first class of students this week from its accelerated classical liberal arts program.

On Tuesday, Thales College honored its first cohort of eight graduates in a historic commencement ceremony at The Sutherland. The eight pioneering students completed an intensive program combining a core of Great Books and liberal arts with specialized tracks in Entrepreneurial Business, Mechanical Engineering, and Classical Education.

“Our graduates are uniquely prepared for strong performances in their careers and have a head start on most of their peers in many ways — from the wealth of real-world work experience and wisdom they have attained during their time at Thales College as well as their clear financial and time savings,” said Dr. Peter Forrest, provost of Thales College. “They have worked incredibly hard and are a grounded and gifted group of young adults that I am confident will be strong leaders in their communities and families.”

In a time dominated by rising tuition and student debt, Thales College is redefining higher education by combining timeless classical liberal arts with modern professional training. Similar to the well-known Hillsdale College in Michigan, the college does not accept government loans or grants.

Founded in 2019, Thales College launched its undergraduate program in 2022 and currently hosts three undergraduate cohorts, as well as high school dual enrollment and continuing education programs. The college emphasizes affordability, with a tuition of $4,000 per 15-week term, and a commitment to graduating students debt-free.

“Our inaugural undergraduate class is a group of trailblazers who will be remembered forever at Thales College for their pioneering achievements, their strengths of spirit, and their embodiment of our core values,” Thales College founder Bob Luddy said. “To see our first graduates walk across the stage knowing they have the tools for successful futures gives me great hope for the next generation.”

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