At $28,746/yr net price, Wake Forest University graduates earn $78,158/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $44,158/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $28,746 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $114,984 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $78,158/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$44,158/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 90.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,554/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,043/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,769/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,759/yr |
| $110,001+ | $54,447/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $96,587 | $128,561 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $80,510 | $19,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $76,836 | $61,051 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $71,015 | $20,549 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $70,456 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $66,653 | $18,899 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $65,145 | $43,000 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Bachelor | $63,005 | |
| Law. | Doctoral | $60,811 | $105,023 |
| Medicine. | Doctoral | $57,411 | $193,205 |
The Risk Factor
90.9% of students at Wake Forest University graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Wake Forest University delivers strong financial returns with median earnings of $78,158 ten years after graduation, well above the national average for private colleges. The $28,746 annual net price creates solid value when paired with the university's 91% graduation rate.
Finance majors see the best financial outcomes, earning $80,510 with manageable debt of $19,500. Computer Science and Mathematics graduates also perform well financially with starting salaries around $70,000 and reasonable debt loads. Business Administration pays decently at $76,836 but comes with concerning debt levels of $61,051 that could strain your early career finances.
Allied Health programs present the biggest financial risk. While graduates earn $96,587, they carry crushing debt loads of $128,561 that will require careful financial planning to manage. The high earning potential may justify this debt for some students, but you need to seriously evaluate your career goals and debt tolerance.
Wake Forest works best financially for students planning careers in finance, technology, or mathematics where the school's strong alumni network and regional reputation translate into solid job prospects. The low percentage of students receiving aid (9.49%) signals limited need-based assistance, making this school most suitable for families who can afford the full cost or students who qualify for merit scholarships.
If you need significant financial aid or plan to major in lower-earning fields, you should carefully compare Wake Forest's costs against state schools or colleges with more generous aid packages. The school's excellent retention rate suggests students generally find value here, but only if the financial fit works for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wake Forest University worth the high tuition cost?
Wake Forest's $28,746 annual net price leads to solid earnings of $78,158 after 10 years, but the return varies significantly by major. Students in allied health programs see strong outcomes at $96,587, while other fields may struggle to justify the cost.
What are the best paying majors at Wake Forest University?
Allied health programs top the earnings at $96,587, followed by finance at $80,510 and business administration at $76,836. Computer science and math graduates earn around $70,000, which is modest given the school's cost.
How much debt do Wake Forest University graduates typically have?
The median debt is $21,500, which is manageable compared to many private schools. Combined with the 91% graduation rate, most students complete their degree without excessive borrowing.
Does Wake Forest University provide good financial aid?
With a net price of $28,746 from a much higher sticker price, Wake Forest does offer meaningful aid. However, families should carefully compare this cost against potential earnings in their chosen field before committing.