Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $31,449 track close to the $30,427 national median for English programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
The financial case is thin at 2.5x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.
Some AI exposure exists in English's typical career paths, with 61% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 15% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $19,500 represents roughly 7 months of the $31,449 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #383 of 493 English programs, Wake Forest University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $66,625 show a 112% jump from the $31,449 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.