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Forsyth Technical Community College vs Wake Forest University: which has better ROI?

Public, Winston-Salem NC · vs · Private nonprofit, Winston-Salem NC

The verdict

Wake Forest University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $114,876 in 3.9 years versus not at all at Forsyth Technical Community College, on median earnings of $78,158 vs $34,139 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureForsyth Technical Community CollegeWake Forest University
Net price / yr$7,200$28,719
Total net cost$14,400$114,876
Median earnings, 10 yrs$34,139$78,158
Median debt$10,000$21,500
Payback3.9 yrs
20-year net return-$298,820$481,084

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Forsyth Technical Community College vs Wake Forest University: frequently asked questions

Is Forsyth Technical Community College or Wake Forest University a better value?
Wake Forest University. It clears its $114,876 net cost in about 3.9 years versus no clear payback at Forsyth Technical Community College, on median earnings of $78,158 vs $34,139 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Forsyth Technical Community College or Wake Forest University?
Forsyth Technical Community College: $7,200/yr net price after aid versus $28,719/yr at Wake Forest University — a difference of $21,519 a year, or about $100,476 over four years.
Do Forsyth Technical Community College or Wake Forest University graduates earn more?
Wake Forest University graduates earn a median $78,158 ten years after entry, versus $34,139 at Forsyth Technical Community College — a $44,019 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.