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Wake Forest University vs Case Western Reserve University

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

16
Wake Wins
7
Tied / N/A
23
Case Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
Southeast
Region
Great Lakes
5,485
Enrollment
6,437
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

22%
Acceptance Rate
37%
1475
SAT Average
1513
N/A
ACT Midpoint
34
1410-1520
SAT Range
1430-1540

Cost & Financial Aid

$67,642
In-State Tuition
$66,608
$67,642
Out-of-State Tuition
$66,608
$28,719
Average Net Price
$41,190
$6,525
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$19,025
$6,331
Net Price ($30-48K)
$18,506
$7,647
Net Price ($48-75K)
$20,849
$58,081
Net Price ($110K+)
$53,061
10%
Pell Grant Rate
18%
14%
Federal Loan Rate
47%

Academics

90%
Graduation Rate
87%
93%
Retention Rate
92%
76%
Full-Time Faculty
75%
$12,666
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$13,338
12%
First-Gen Students
11%

Student Body

51%
Female
47%
65%
White
34%
10%
Hispanic
12%
6%
Black
6%
5%
Asian
30%
0.55
Diversity Index
0.76

Outcomes

$67,722
Earnings (6yr)
$75,613
$80,513
Earnings (8yr)
$77,640
$78,158
Earnings (10yr)
$87,989
$21,500
Median Debt
$24,000
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.27x
83%
Earning Above HS
86%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

72.12%
Mobility Rate
178.87%
4034.5%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5467.7%
178.8%
From Bottom 20%
327.1%
$191,500
Parent Median Income
$118,200

Social Capital

1.76
Economic Connectedness
1.65
0.01
Friending Bias
-0.00
6.3%
Volunteering Rate
9.0%

Research (Times HE)

#90
World Rank
#65
54.6
Teaching Score
67.2
42.9
Research Score
53.8
79.2
Citations Score
66

The Overviews

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC · Private nonprofit

22% accept 90% grad $78,158 earnings $28,719 net

With an acceptance rate of just 22%, Wake Forest University attracts students who are ready to engage deeply in their education. The school is particularly appealing to those interested in fields like Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Communications, and Psychology. Its high graduation rate of 90% reflects a supportive environment where students can thrive academically and socially.

After graduation, students can expect to earn an average of $78,158 within ten years, which is a solid figure that speaks to the value of a Wake Forest degree in the job market. The relatively low percentage of students receiving Pell Grants (10%) suggests that many students come from families that can afford to pay for their education, which can be a factor in post-graduation mobility and success. While we don't have specific mobility rates, the strong earnings potential indicates that graduates generally find good opportunities.

On the financial side, the net price after aid is $28,719, which means students should carefully consider how this fits into their budget. With a median debt of $21,500, students must weigh their loan burden against their future earnings. Those who tend to thrive at Wake Forest are often self-motivated and ready to take advantage of the various academic programs and support systems available.

Case Western Reserve University

Cleveland, OH · Private nonprofit

37% accept 87% grad $87,989 earnings $41,190 net

With an enrollment of nearly 6,500 students and a 37% acceptance rate, Case Western Reserve University attracts those who are serious about their education and future. Here, students dive into strong programs in Engineering, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Computer Science, and Business. The 87% graduation rate speaks volumes about the supportive environment that enables students to succeed academically and professionally.

Looking ahead, the earning potential for graduates is promising, with a ten-year median income of about $87,989. That’s a significant number, especially when we think about what it means for students entering the workforce. It’s not just about the degree but also how well it translates into financial stability and career advancement. While the school has an 18% Pell Grant rate, indicating that some students come from lower-income backgrounds, the return on investment seems solid based on those earnings.

When considering the financial aspects, the net price after aid hovers around $41,190, which can feel daunting. However, the median debt for graduates is $24,000, suggesting that many students manage to graduate with a reasonable debt load. Those who thrive at Case Western tend to be motivated, goal-oriented individuals who are ready to engage deeply with their studies and take advantage of the university's resources. This school seems like a good fit for students who are prepared to dive into a challenging academic environment while keeping an eye on their future careers.

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