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Economics at Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $56,416/yr (5% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)

ROI 3.8x earnings multiple

Ranked #185 of 351 Economics programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Economics graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$1,049K	$992K	$807K
Earnings Multiple	4.1x	3.8x	3.1x
Probability of Field Employment	66%	60%	41%
DegreeOutlook Score	68	66	62

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$259,032

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$114,984

56% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,500

4.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$109,506

94% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $56,416 track close to the $53,966 national median for Economics programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

The 3.8x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 56% task exposure — and the 23% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At $20,500 in median debt against $56,416 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #185 out of 351 programs, Wake Forest University's financial outcomes for Economics trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $56,416 to $109,506 over five years (94% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Wake Forest University

Wake Forest University admits 22% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, with a mid-sized student body of 5,471 in Winston-Salem, NC. After financial aid, the average student pays $114,984 over four years — 56% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Wake Forest University →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr

Economics teachers, postsecondary $119,980/yr

Economists $115,440/yr

View all 9 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Economics at Other Schools

Other Majors at Wake Forest University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Wake Forest University's Economics program score?

A score of 66/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Wake Forest University trails the majority of Economics programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.

How vulnerable is Economics to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Economics careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 56% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

How affordable is Economics at Wake Forest University after financial aid?

Sticker price is $259,032, but the average net cost is $114,984 — a 56% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →