Skip to main content
96.0%Acceptance
$42,600Tuition
1,519Students
60%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$59,498Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About King's College

The Holy Cross Fathers established this Catholic liberal arts college in the Wyoming Valley over a century ago. King's College enrolls 1,519 students in a small city setting that blends urban opportunities with tight-knit community feel. The school built its reputation on personalized attention and strong professional programs, particularly in business and health sciences. Students benefit from an 11:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentorship. The Monarchs compete in 23 NCAA Division III sports, with 615 total athletes representing a significant portion of the student body.

Students pay an average net price of $23,281 after financial aid, making this private education more accessible than the sticker price suggests. Graduates earn a median of $59,498 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $27,000. The monthly loan payment of $286 represents a manageable burden given earning potential. Federal loans support 67.56% of students, while institutional grants averaging $29,352 help bridge the affordability gap.

The school maintains a 95.99% acceptance rate, welcoming students with SAT scores averaging 1165. About 77.13% of freshmen return for sophomore year, though only 60.10% complete their degrees within six years. The employment rate of 96.4% demonstrates strong career preparation, while the Catholic mission shapes campus culture and values-based education.

Academics & Faculty

King's College operates as a Catholic liberal arts college that emphasizes close mentorship and practical career preparation. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students personally and can provide individualized guidance throughout their academic journey. The college has built a strong reputation for its physician assistant, engineering, and business programs, with many graduates entering healthcare and corporate fields in the Northeast. About 59% of students complete their degree in four years, reflecting the supportive but rigorous academic environment. The liberal arts foundation means students explore diverse subjects before specializing, developing critical thinking skills that employers value. Small class sizes allow for discussion-based learning rather than lecture halls.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
11:1
Full-Time Faculty
65.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
58.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
60.1%
Retention Rate
77.1%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$59,498
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Medium)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Master $104,192
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. Master $59,169
Finance and Financial Management Services. Bachelor $52,733
Human Resources Management and Services. Bachelor $47,260
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Master $46,087
Accounting and Related Services. Bachelor $44,468
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $40,456
Marketing. Bachelor $36,042
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Bachelor $33,993
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Bachelor $33,993

View all 56 programs →

Campus Life

King's College sits in the heart of Wilkes-Barre, a former coal mining city in northeastern Pennsylvania about two hours from Philadelphia. The compact urban campus houses 1,052 students in residence halls, meaning most of the 1,519 enrolled students live on campus. You'll definitely need a winter coat here as snow blankets the Wyoming Valley from December through March.

The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know your name. With 615 athletes competing across 23 varsity sports, King's has built a strong athletic culture around the Monarchs teams. The Catholic identity shapes campus traditions and community service opportunities. Students often head to nearby Kirby Park along the Susquehanna River or explore the Pocono Mountains for weekend outdoor activities. The small city setting means most social life centers on campus events, residence hall programming, and athletic competitions. Greek life isn't prominent, but the tight-knit community of 1,500 students creates lasting friendships through clubs, intramural sports, and campus ministry programs.
Setting
City-Small
Housing Capacity
1,052 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1901

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Domestic Violence 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
20°–35°F
July Avg
62°–84°F
Annual Precipitation
38.7"
Annual Snowfall
45.1"

Student Demographics

King's College draws primarily local and regional students, with more than two-thirds coming from Pennsylvania. The student body reflects the working-class Catholic heritage of northeastern Pennsylvania's coal and steel regions. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the college's commitment to serving first-generation college families. The slight male majority connects to King's strong business and pre-professional programs that traditionally attract more men. Students tend to be practically minded, choosing King's for its career-focused education and tight-knit community rather than prestige.
Men
52.6%
Women
47.4%
White
74.3%
Black
5.5%
Hispanic
12.3%
Asian
2.9%
In-State Students
68.4%
Pell Grant Recipients
27.3%

Location

King's College sits in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, a small city about 120 miles north of Philadelphia and 100 miles west of New York City. The college draws 68.38% of its students from Pennsylvania, reflecting its strong regional appeal in northeastern PA's Wyoming Valley. Wilkes-Barre anchors a metro area of roughly 560,000 people and offers the cultural amenities of a mid-sized city without the overwhelming pace of major metropolitan areas. The region blends urban conveniences with easy access to outdoor recreation in the nearby Pocono Mountains. This Rust Belt city has reinvented itself as an educational center with several colleges clustered downtown. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare King's College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18711-0801

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$59,498
Median Earnings (5 years)
$59,082
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$44,400
Loan Repayment Rate
70.9%
Monthly Loan Payment
$286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at King's College?

King's College accepts 95.99% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1070-1260 on the SAT. This Catholic liberal arts college in Wilkes-Barre focuses on providing opportunities for students across a wide range of academic backgrounds.

How much does King's College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $23,281 after financial aid, less than the $58,986 sticker price. About 27% of students receive institutional grants averaging $29,352. The school keeps costs manageable for working-class families, with students from families earning under $30,000 paying just $17,178 on average.

What are the academics like at King's College?

King's College maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with 1,519 total students, creating intimate classroom settings. The school has a 77.13% retention rate, meaning most students stay engaged with their studies. As a Catholic liberal arts institution, King's emphasizes personalized attention and values-based education.

What are the career outcomes for King's College graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $59,498 ten years after graduation, with a strong 96.4% employment rate. About 60% of students graduate within six years. Alumni typically leave with $27,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $286, making their education investment relatively manageable.

Where do King's College students live and what is campus life like?

The campus houses 1,052 students in residence halls, creating a close-knit community atmosphere in small-city Wilkes-Barre. About 68% of students come from Pennsylvania, giving the school a strong regional identity. With 615 student-athletes competing in 23 NCAA Division III sports, athletics play a major role in campus culture.

Does King's College offer athletic scholarships?

King's College awards $0 in athletic scholarships since it competes in NCAA Division III, which prohibits athletic scholarships. However, 615 students participate in varsity sports as Monarchs across 23 different teams. Student-athletes must rely on academic merit aid and need-based financial aid like other students.