Finance and Financial Management Services at Wake Forest University

Wake Forest finance graduates earn $85,944 in their first year—66% above the national median and significantly more than graduates from UNC-Charlotte or Appalachian State. By year four, earnings climb to $113,398, placing this program at the top of North Carolina's finance programs and the 95th percentile nationally. The $19,500 in typical debt represents just three months of first-year salary, creating one of the strongest debt-to-earnings ratios you'll find at a selective private university.

The graduation debt here runs slightly above the national median for finance programs, but context matters: Wake Forest students are accessing elite-level outcomes (earning roughly what Duke and UNC Chapel Hill finance graduates earn) while borrowing far less than peers at many comparable institutions. The 32% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates are advancing into higher-level roles rather than plateauing early.

The tradeoff is clear: you're paying for Wake Forest's selective admissions and brand, but the program delivers measurably better career outcomes than state schools. For families who can manage the debt load—and especially for those comparing against other private universities—this represents strong value in a field where your first employer and early salary trajectory matter considerably.