Degree Dividend
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Wake Forest University vs Chamberlain University-North Carolina: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Winston-Salem NC · vs · Private for-profit, Charlotte NC

The verdict

Chamberlain University-North Carolina has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $153,744 in 3.5 years versus 3.9 years at Wake Forest University, on median earnings of $92,405 vs $78,158 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureWake Forest UniversityChamberlain University-North Carolina
Net price / yr$28,719$38,436
Total net cost$114,876$153,744
Median earnings, 10 yrs$78,158$92,405
Median debt$21,500$20,919
Payback3.9 yrs3.5 yrs
20-year net return$481,084$727,156

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

Which is cheaper, Wake Forest University or Chamberlain University-North Carolina?

Wake Forest University, at $28,719 a year after aid versus $38,436 — a gap of $9,717 a year, or $38,868 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Wake Forest University or Chamberlain University-North Carolina graduates earn more?

Chamberlain University-North Carolina graduates report a median $92,405 ten years after entry, $14,247 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, Wake Forest University or Chamberlain University-North Carolina?

Chamberlain University-North Carolina: its completers carry a median $20,919 in federal loans versus $21,500 at Wake Forest University, a difference of $581. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Wake Forest University vs Chamberlain University-North Carolina: frequently asked questions

Is Wake Forest University or Chamberlain University-North Carolina a better value?
Chamberlain University-North Carolina. It clears its $153,744 net cost in about 3.5 years versus 3.9 years at Wake Forest University, on median earnings of $92,405 vs $78,158 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Wake Forest University or Chamberlain University-North Carolina?
Wake Forest University: $28,719/yr net price after aid versus $38,436/yr at Chamberlain University-North Carolina — a difference of $9,717 a year, or about $38,868 over four years.
Do Wake Forest University or Chamberlain University-North Carolina graduates earn more?
Chamberlain University-North Carolina graduates earn a median $92,405 ten years after entry, versus $78,158 at Wake Forest University — a $14,247 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.