Wilkes University
About Wilkes University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Wilkes University is a private university in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. It offers programs in nursing, engineering, business, and pharmacy, with an affordable tuition and a campus along the Susquehanna River in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Founded
1933
Location
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Students
5,290
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
90.6%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
63.2%
Near national average
Tuition
$43,496
Per year
Avg Net Price
$27,743
After financial aid
SAT Average
1136
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$63,454
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$40
Early
Dec 1
Regular
Rolling
Wilkes University accepts the majority of applicants at 90.6%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1136/ 1600
ACT Scores
24/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
63.2% complete their degree within six years
Retention
71.6%
4-Year Grad
50%
6-Year Grad
61%
Teaching Quality
13:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
39.5%
$/Student
$11.9K
Class Size
Medium
While 50% finish in 4 years, 71.6% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$43,496
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$16,166
Books & Supplies
$400
Total Cost of Attendance
$56,765
After Financial Aid
$27,743
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$25,062
Receive Grants
34.5%
Take Loans
72.5%
The total cost of attendance runs about $56,765/yr, including $16,166 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $27,743.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Wilkes University fund their education.
While in School
34.5%
Get Grants
Free money
72.5%
Take Loans
Must repay
$62,518
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$26,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$276/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $26,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $63K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Wilkes University.
Gender
51.8%
Female
48%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
1,985
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
3,305
Graduates
34.6%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
7.4%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (52% women, 48% men). 34.6% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 8.4% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
1,985
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Doctoral
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Wilkes University fields 14 varsity teams with 536 student athletes, about 27% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III with football
Conference
Landmark
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
14
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
536
27% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
65% / 35%
347
Men
189
Women
12
Men's Teams
11
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Wilkes Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$63,454
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$77K
138 grads
1yr Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
—
60 grads
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$41K
45 grads
1yr Earnings
Mechanical Engineering
$63K
31 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$29K
30 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$39K
16 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $54K at six years, $54K at eight, and $63K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Wilkes University
What is the acceptance rate at Wilkes University?▾
How much does Wilkes University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Wilkes University?▾
How much do Wilkes University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.