King's College
King's College is a private nonprofit university in Wilkes-Barre, PA ranked #729 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 1,519 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 93.2%. Students most often pursue Neurobiology and Neurosciences and Finance and Financial Management Services.
Academically, students benefit from a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, 77.1% first-year retention, and 60.1% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $23,281, about $6,283 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -44.4%, roughly 129.7 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $51,734. That's about $8,046 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is King's College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
King's College graduates 60.1% of students within six years and keeps 77.1% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use King's College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $42,600 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,300 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $15,086 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,888 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $56,991 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 27.3% of King's College students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $17,178 to $28,775 depending on family income. Use King's College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $22,753/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $28,775/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $51,734
- 10-Year Median Earnings $51,734
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $22,847
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 70.9%
- Employment Rate 84.8%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for King's College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
King's College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how King's College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes King's College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While King's College graduates earn $51,734 median, the -44.4% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 520-620
- SAT Math 540-620
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 19-25
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,519
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 77.1%
- Graduation Rate 60.1%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 11:1
How to Get Into King's College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: King's College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 93.2%, King's College is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 93.2% acceptance rate, King's College is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1060 and 1240 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among King's College undergraduates. Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences,, Accounting and Related Services, and Criminal Justice and Corrections draw the most students.
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, 14.6%
- Accounting and Related Services 9.6%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 7.5%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 7.5%
- Marketing 6.3%
- Psychology, General 5.7%
See more majors
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 4.7%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 3.5%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Neurobiology and Neurosciences $83,115
- 2. Finance and Financial Management Services $81,659
- 3. Biology, General $66,341
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Human Resources Management and Services $65,859
- 5. Accounting and Related Services $65,162
- 6. Marketing $65,095
- 7. Business Administration, Management and Operations $61,932
- 8. Criminal Justice and Corrections $59,775
- 9. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $55,186
- 10. Sociology $52,876
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $132,486
- 2. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $72,854
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Neurobiology and Neurosciences grads earn $83,115—57% more than Sociology ($52,876). Graduate: Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions programs lead with $132,486 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for King's College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (Bachelor's Degree, 72 graduates)
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree, 66 graduates)
- Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degree, 47 graduates)
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 37 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 37 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (44 programs)▼
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Accounting and Related Services
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Marketing
- Psychology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Sociology
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Biology, General
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Physics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- International Business
- Communication and Media Studies
- Political Science and Government
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Chemistry
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- History
- Economics
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Civil Engineering
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Computer Science
- Philosophy
- Mathematics
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- English Language and Literature, General
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Special Education and Teaching
- Psychology, Other
- Mechanical Engineering
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Area Studies
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
Online Master's Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Curriculum and Instruction
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)▼
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,519
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 52.6%
- Female Students 47.4%
- Caucasian 74.3%
- Asian 2.9%
- Hispanic 12.3%
- Black 5.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients 27.3%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects King's College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of King's College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does King's College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at King's College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 74.3% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does King's College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at King's College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
King's College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -44.4% ROI. Ranked #729 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $23,281 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $51,734 median earnings. With 60.1% graduating within six years and 77.1% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: King's College's Positioning
With a B grade and #729 ranking, King's College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $23,281 annually, King's College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 77.1% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $16,297 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -44.4% ROI and $51,734 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $13,281+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: King's College ranks #729 of 1971 institutions, with 908 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 60.1% six-year graduation rate sits 2.4 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 77.1% first-year retention is 0.3 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -44.4% return on investment is 129.7 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $51,734 run about 18% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $23,281 is roughly $3,382 higher than the national median of $19,899.
Helpfulness for Students
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 77.1% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 84.8% employment rate within three years sits 16.6 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $23,281 is about $3,382 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 27.3% trails the national share by 6.2 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Wilkes-Barre, PA, King's College operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a B from EDsmart. It appears at #729 in EDsmart's national list Category results include Completion (B), Support (B), Career Outcomes (B+), and Affordability (C+).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 77.1% of first-year students return, and roughly 60.1% finish within six years. The reported ROI is -44.4%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $23,281 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $56,991.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $33,710 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $22,847 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 27.3% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $51,734 six years after enrollment. Compared with the national median, that's 18% higher.
Roughly 84.8% of graduates are employed three years out.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -44.4%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
93.2% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the King's College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711-0801
- Website www.kings.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$124.2M