Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Wake Forest vary significantly by field of study, with business and finance programs delivering exceptional results while liberal arts programs show more modest returns. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than prestige or academic reputation.
Use this data to compare how different majors perform in the labor market and align program choice with career goals.
Analyzing 18 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase programs that excel across earnings, national rankings, and enrollment strength at Wake Forest.
#52 nationally
$68K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, national rank, debt levels, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Wake Forest University.
Computer Science represents Wake Forest's primary STEM offering, ranking #53 nationally and #3 in North Carolina with median earnings of $114,622. Despite ranking outside the top 25 nationally, the program delivers the highest absolute earnings among Wake Forest's offerings.
With 45 graduates and a value score of 71.6, the program provides solid outcomes for students seeking technology careers, though cohort sizes remain smaller than business programs.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | #52 | $114,622 | — | 45 |
Program rankings reflect actual labor market outcomes for Wake Forest graduates rather than academic prestige or reputation measures. Earnings data comes from federal College Scorecard records tracking graduates six to ten years after enrollment, providing reliable outcome information based on tax records and employment data. Value scores combine earnings, debt, and completion metrics to assess overall program return on investment. Rankings compare Wake Forest programs against identical majors at other institutions nationally, not against different fields within Wake Forest. Cohort sizes indicate the number of graduates included in earnings calculations, with larger cohorts providing greater confidence in reported outcomes. These outcomes reflect career patterns for graduates who enter the workforce directly rather than those continuing to graduate or professional school, which varies significantly by field of study.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
Business programs at Wake Forest deliver exceptional outcomes with multiple top-10 national rankings. Banking and Financial Support Services ranks #8 nationally with $113,398 median earnings, while Business/Commerce General achieves #3 nationally earning $91,708.
Applied Economics ranks #32 nationally with strong $91,751 outcomes. These programs consistently achieve value scores above 84, indicating excellent return on investment.
This group serves students prioritizing high earnings and immediate workforce entry in finance and business sectors.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #8 | $113,398★ | — | 108 |
| Actuarial Science. | #10 | $97,769 | — | 30 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | #4 | $91,708 | — | 112 |
Science and mathematics programs show mixed performance with significant variation by specific field. Algebra and Number Theory achieves strong $87,019 earnings with #42 national ranking.
Biology General ranks #78 nationally with modest $60,300 earnings and higher debt levels at $59,000. Analytical Chemistry shows weaker outcomes at $41,025 earnings.
These programs suit students planning graduate study in STEM fields or considering pre-professional tracks.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #42 | $87,019★ | — | 39 |
| Biology, General. | #78 | $60,300 | $59,000 | 96 |
| Analytical Chemistry. | #145 | $41,025 | — | 27 |
Social science programs demonstrate exceptional value relative to typical earnings patterns in these fields. American Government and Politics achieves #24 nationally with $70,723 earnings and the largest cohort of 146 students.
Psychology General ranks #2 nationally with an outstanding 99.7 value score despite $59,767 earnings. Applied/Public Sociology ranks #14 nationally with strong positioning.
These programs excel for students seeking graduate school preparation or public service careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #30 | $91,751★ | — | 139 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #19 | $70,723 | — | 146 |
| Psychology, General. | #3 | $59,767 | — | 104 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #17 | $57,671 | — | 51 |
| Anthropology, General. | #86 | $36,668 | — | 21 |
Communication and Media Studies achieves exceptional national positioning at #17 with strong value score of 93.7 and $60,234 median earnings. With 113 graduates representing nearly 10% of the student body, this program demonstrates both scale and quality.
The combination of strong national ranking and substantial enrollment makes this field particularly attractive for students interested in media, journalism, or communications careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #17 | $60,234 | — | 113 |
Humanities programs reflect typical liberal arts earning patterns with significant variation in outcomes. American History ranks #27 nationally with respectable $61,916 earnings for the field.
Catalan Language and Literature achieves #12 nationally despite small cohorts. English Language and Literature shows more modest outcomes at $40,896 with weaker value scores.
These programs serve students prioritizing intellectual development and graduate school preparation over immediate earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catalan Language and Literature. | #12 | $65,431★ | — | 27 |
| American History (United States). | #26 | $61,916 | — | 34 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation.Small sample | #28 | $52,622 | — | 17 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #153 | $40,896 | — | 49 |
Exercise Science and Kinesiology stands out with exceptional performance, ranking #2 nationally and #1 in North Carolina with $68,083 median earnings and a remarkable 99.5 value score. With 70 graduates, the program combines strong outcomes with meaningful scale.
This represents one of Wake Forest's most successful programs relative to national competition, ideal for students pursuing health, fitness, or sports-related careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #2 | $68,083 | — | 70 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
