Private nonprofit Institution

Wilkes University — Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

Compare Visit Website
Annual Tuition $42,286

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 91.5%

Open Admission

Enrollment 1,893

Active Students

Avg. Salary $63,454

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Institution type Private nonprofit
Accreditation Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Wilkes University stands as a pillar of higher education in Wilkes-Barre, providing a robust academic foundation for 1,893 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Wilkes University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Wilkes University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Health Professions
28.6%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing
17.6%

Enrollment Share

Humanities
12.3%

Enrollment Share

Engineering
9.8%

Enrollment Share

Psychology
5.9%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences
5.1%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Humanities College

Empowering students with critical thinking and cultural literacy...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Engineering College

The Engineering curriculum focuses on innovation and real-world problem solving...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at Wilkes University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Wilkes University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 91.5%
Difficulty Low

Wilkes University maintains an acceptance rate of 91.5%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 47.3%
Women Enrollment 52.7%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT Reading 510 - 640
SAT Mathematics 513 - 630
ACT English 18 - 27
ACT Mathematics 17 - 27
Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Wilkes University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $42,286
Out-of-State Tuition $42,286

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 29.8%
Median Student Debt $26,000

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $42,286, graduates see a median starting salary of $63,454, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Pennsylvania.

What salary can Wilkes University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $63,454

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 60.3%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $27,700
Median Salary (6yr) $54,128
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre?

1,893 Students

Gender Comparison

47.3% Men
52.7% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

73.5%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.1%
Pacific Islander
0.1%
Asian
2.8%
Black
5.8%
White
70.2%
Unknown
0.3%
Hispanic
11.4%
Two or More Races
3.6%
International
5.8%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 21
🎓
First-Generation 34.6%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 47.4%
💍
Married Students 3.7%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 35.7%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $56,456
Average Family Income $73,821
Median Family Income $62,518

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

45.1%
54.9%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Wilkes-Barre Campus Environment

Located at 84 West South Street, Wilkes University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Pennsylvania. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps
⚖️

How does Wilkes University compare?

Direct Comparison Wilkes University vs King's College →

Common Questions about Wilkes University

Is Wilkes University a good college in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania?
Wilkes University is a recognized institution in Wilkes-Barre with an enrollment of 1,893 students. It is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education and offers a robust ROI for students in Pennsylvania based on Department of Education data.
Is Wilkes University worth attending in 2026?
Yes, Wilkes University offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $63,454. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does Wilkes University cost for Pennsylvania residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Wilkes University is approximately $42,286. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $42,286. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Wilkes University after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Wilkes University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 47.4% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Wilkes University good for Health Professions and Business & Marketing programs?
Wilkes University is highly regarded for its Health Professions and Business & Marketing programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending Wilkes University?
Graduates of Wilkes University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Health Professions. With a median salary of $63,454, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Wilkes University?
Wilkes University operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.
Does Wilkes University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, Wilkes University follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.
What salary can Wilkes University graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Wilkes University earn a median salary of $63,454 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Wilkes University a good investment compared to other PA colleges?
Wilkes University stands out as a high-value investment in Pennsylvania. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.
Where is Wilkes University located and what is the campus like?
Wilkes University is located at 84 West South Street in Wilkes-Barre, PA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 1,893 learners.
Who typically attends Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The student body at Wilkes University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 34.6% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
🏆

2026 Rankings: Pennsylvania

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Wilkes University with other leading institutions in Pennsylvania across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
Medical
P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
Mechanical Engineering
P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
🧭

Local Discovery Hub

Explore specialized academic pathways in Wilkes-Barre

Degrees & Research Health Professions Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
Professional Training Health Professions Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
Career Opportunities Health Professions Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
Affordable Tuition Health Professions Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
Accredited Programs Health Professions Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
Leading Schools Health Professions Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
International Support Health Professions Insights →
2026 Audit Complete
Community Colleges Health Professions Insights →
2026 Audit Complete

Looking for similar schools in Pennsylvania?

Our intelligence engine has audited 6,400+ institutions to find the best matches for your career goals.

View State Rankings →