Wake Forest University
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$259,032
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$32,722/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
7.9 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
153%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Wake Forest University's high tuition cost of $64,758 is offset by strong earnings potential for graduates. One year after graduation, the median salary is $52,635. Five years out, earnings increase to $67,722, and after ten years, graduates earn $78,158. The median debt for graduates is $21,500. A small percentage of students receive financial aid, at 14.6%.
The debt-to-income ratio for Wake Forest graduates is favorable. With a median debt of $21,500 and a starting salary of $52,635, the debt is easily manageable. The high earnings potential suggests a relatively quick break-even timeline for the investment in education.
Wake Forest University has strong indicators of student success. The university has a high acceptance rate of 21.6%, a graduation rate of 90.3%, and a retention rate of 94.7%. These metrics suggest a supportive academic environment.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$64,758
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$67,722
Graduation Rate
90%
Receive Financial Aid
15%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $259,032 | $110,336 | 482% |
| Law. | $259,032 | $87,235 | 303% |
| Political Science and Government. | $259,032 | $70,723 | 176% |
| Economics. | $259,032 | $91,751 | 338% |
| Accounting and Related Services. | $259,032 | $91,757 | 338% |
| Medicine. | $259,032 | $87,842 | 308% |
| Communication and Media Studies. | $259,032 | $60,234 | 95% |
| Business/Commerce, General. | $259,032 | $91,708 | 338% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | $259,032 | $113,398 | 505% |
| Psychology, General. | $259,032 | $59,767 | 91% |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | $259,032 | $52,528 | 35% |
| Biology, General. | $259,032 | $60,300 | 95% |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.