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 gives you a solid financial return with low risk. Ninety percent of students graduate, and the median debt sits around $21,500, well below the $78,000 median earnings ten years out. That gap is what makes the numbers work: you leave with manageable debt and a salary that clears it fast.
The payoff concentrates in business and quantitative fields. Finance is the strongest bet here, edging out computer science and math on earnings while carrying less debt. General business and management sciences pay noticeably less, so the major you pick inside the business school matters. Wake Forest doesn't list bachelor-level earnings for humanities or social science programs, so if you're headed into those fields, expect outcomes below the finance and CS figures and plan accordingly.
The main financial risk is the full sticker price. If your family earns over $110k, you pay more than $54,000 a year, and four years of that runs past $200,000. At that level the return only holds if you land in finance, CS, or another high-paying track. A lower-earning major at full price is where this school stops paying off.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families sharply. Under $48k, you pay between $6,000 and $12,000 a year, and the $30-48k bracket is actually the cheapest at about $6,000. If you qualify for aid here, Wake Forest is a strong deal. The jump between the $75-110k tier and the over-$110k tier is steep, so families near that line should check exactly where they fall.
This school fits you if you're aiming at finance or a quantitative field, or if your family income keeps your net price low. If you're paying near full freight for a lower-earning major, look harder at cheaper options.
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.