Duke University vs Wake Forest University: which has better ROI?
Duke University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $118,448 in 2.4 years versus 3.9 years at Wake Forest University, on median earnings of $97,800 vs $78,158 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Duke University | Wake Forest University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $29,612 | $28,719 |
| Total net cost | $118,448 | $114,876 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $97,800 | $78,158 |
| Median debt | $13,000 | $21,500 |
| Payback | 2.4 yrs | 3.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $870,352 | $481,084 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Duke University or Wake Forest University?
Wake Forest University, at $28,719 a year after aid versus $29,612 — a gap of $893 a year, or $3,572 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Duke University or Wake Forest University graduates earn more?
Duke University graduates report a median $97,800 ten years after entry, $19,642 more than the $78,158 at Wake Forest University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Duke University or Wake Forest University?
Duke University: its completers carry a median $13,000 in federal loans versus $21,500 at Wake Forest University, a difference of $8,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
97% of students finish at Duke University, against 89% at Wake Forest University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.