Wilkes University
Wilkes University is a private nonprofit university in Wilkes-Barre, PA ranked #949 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 1,985 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 90.6%. Students most often pursue Accounting and Related Services and Mechanical Engineering.
Academically, students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, 71.6% first-year retention, and 63.2% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $27,743, about $10,745 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -51.2%, roughly 136.5 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $54,128. That's about $10,440 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Wilkes University has an acceptance rate of 90.6%, annual tuition of $43,496, average net price of $27,743, and a national rank of #949 (Grade B), with a 63.2% six-year graduation rate, about 1,985 undergraduates, and median earnings of $54,128 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is Wilkes University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Wilkes University graduates 63.2% of students within six years and keeps 71.6% 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 Wilkes University'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 | $43,496 |
| Books and Supplies | $400 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $16,166 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,193 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $56,765 |
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 34.5% of Wilkes University students receive Pell Grants — slightly 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 $25,062 to $31,638 depending on family income. Use Wilkes University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $27,843/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $31,638/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $54,128
- 10-Year Median Earnings $54,128
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $20,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 72.4%
- Employment Rate 87.3%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Wilkes University 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.
Wilkes University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Wilkes University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Wilkes University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Wilkes University graduates earn $54,128 median, the -51.2% 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 530-630
- SAT Math 490-620
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 22-29
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,985
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 71.6%
- Graduation Rate 63.2%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 13:1
How to Get Into Wilkes University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Wilkes University 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 90.6%, Wilkes University 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 90.6% acceptance rate, Wilkes University 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 1020 and 1250 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Wilkes University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum, and Mechanical Engineering draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 16.2%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 9.1%
- Mechanical Engineering 8.6%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 8.6%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 5.4%
- Biology, General 4.4%
See more majors
- Psychology, General 4.4%
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering 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. Accounting and Related Services $85,792
- 2. Mechanical Engineering $84,211
- 3. Computer and Information Sciences, General $83,041
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $79,269
- 5. Engineering, General $74,654
- 6. Biology, General $69,777
- 7. Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering $69,726
- 8. Business Administration, Management and Operations $65,279
- 9. Marketing $60,340
- 10. Communication and Media Studies $54,942
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $143,898
- 2. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree) $132,964
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $122,887
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $105,844
- 5. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $85,253
- 6. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $82,118
- 7. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $66,827
- 8. Education, General (Master's Degree) $66,654
- 9. Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language (Master's Degree) $62,713
- 10. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree) $61,833
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Accounting and Related Services grads earn $85,792—56% more than Communication and Media Studies ($54,942). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $143,898 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Wilkes University. 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
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 96 graduates)
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degree, 54 graduates)
- Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 51 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 51 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 32 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 (37 programs)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Mechanical Engineering
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Psychology, General
- Biology, General
- Marketing
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Communication and Media Studies
- Criminology
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- History
- Sociology
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Accounting and Related Services
- English Language and Literature, General
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Political Science and Government
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Mathematics
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Information Science/Studies
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Philosophy
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
Online Master's Degrees (5 programs)â–¼
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Mathematics
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,985
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 48.2%
- Female Students 51.8%
- Caucasian 66.3%
- Asian 3.0%
- Hispanic 11.6%
- Black 6.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients 34.5%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Wilkes University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Wilkes University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Wilkes University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of 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 Wilkes University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Wilkes University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of 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 Wilkes University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Wilkes University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -51.2% ROI. Ranked #949 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $27,743 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $54,128 median earnings. With 63.2% graduating within six years and 71.6% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Wilkes University's Positioning
With a B grade and #949 ranking, Wilkes University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $27,743 annually, Wilkes University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 71.6% 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 $19,420 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -51.2% ROI and $54,128 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $17,743+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Wilkes University ranks #949 of 6101 institutions, with 1097 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
- 63.2% six-year graduation rate sits 0.7 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 71.6% first-year retention is 5.2 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -51.2% return on investment is 136.5 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $54,128 run about 24% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $27,743 is roughly $10,346 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 13:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 71.6% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 87.3% employment rate within three years sits 19.1 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $27,743 is about $10,346 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 34.5% trails the national share by 4.6 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, Wilkes University operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a B from EDsmart. It appears at #949 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.
Student momentum is strong: 71.6% retention and 63.2% six-year graduation. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -51.2%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
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 $27,743 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $56,765.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $29,022 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $20,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 34.5% 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
Graduates report median earnings of about $54,128 six years after entry. Compared with the national median, that's 24% higher.
Employment outcomes report about 87.3% of alumni working within three years.
Plan around an ROI of about -51.2% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
90.6% 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 Wilkes University 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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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wilkes University's acceptance rate?
Wilkes University's acceptance rate is 90.6%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Wilkes University cost?
At Wilkes University, listed tuition and fees are $43,496 per year, and the average net price after aid is $27,743. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Wilkes University's ranking?
Wilkes University ranks #949 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Wilkes University's graduation rate?
At Wilkes University, the six-year graduation rate is 63.2%, and first-year retention is 71.6%.
What are Wilkes University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Wilkes University report median earnings of $54,128 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Wilkes University's student population?
Wilkes University enrolls about 1,985 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766
- Website www.wilkes.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$59.6M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate24.9%