Wake Forest University ROI Analysis
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
above 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 a median of $78,158. The median debt for graduates is $21,500, with 14.6% receiving financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio for Wake Forest graduates is favorable. With a median debt of $21,500 and an average starting salary of $52,635, graduates can likely manage their debt effectively. The high earnings potential suggests a relatively short break-even timeline, where graduates recoup their investment in education through increased earnings.
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
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $110,336 | 482% |
| Accounting and Related Services | $91,757 | 338% |
| Biology, General | $60,300 | 95% |
| Law | $87,235 | 303% |
| Political Science and Government | $70,723 | 176% |
| Economics | $91,751 | 338% |
| Communication and Media Studies | $60,234 | 95% |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $97,769 | 385% |
| Medicine | $87,842 | 308% |
| Business/Commerce, General | $91,708 | 338% |
| Psychology, General | $59,767 | 91% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $113,398 | 505% |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
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.