About Wilkes University
Wilkes University has built its reputation around pharmacy, engineering, and health sciences programs that prepare students for professional careers. The small private university enrolls 1,893 students in downtown Wilkes-Barre, where the compact campus creates tight-knit academic communities. With a 94% acceptance rate, Wilkes welcomes students with SAT scores averaging 1160 and focuses on hands-on learning rather than academic selectivity. The school operates as a teaching-focused institution where professors prioritize undergraduate education over research.
Students pay an average net price of $27,700 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median salary of $63,454 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $26,000. The return on investment works out favorably since 98% of graduates find employment. Monthly loan payments average $276, which represents a manageable portion of graduate earnings.
The student body splits almost evenly between men and women, with 71% coming from Pennsylvania. Twenty-three varsity sports compete at the NCAA Division III level, and 498 students participate in athletics. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, though the 60% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish their programs on time.
Students pay an average net price of $27,700 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median salary of $63,454 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $26,000. The return on investment works out favorably since 98% of graduates find employment. Monthly loan payments average $276, which represents a manageable portion of graduate earnings.
The student body splits almost evenly between men and women, with 71% coming from Pennsylvania. Twenty-three varsity sports compete at the NCAA Division III level, and 498 students participate in athletics. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, though the 60% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish their programs on time.
Academics & Faculty
Wilkes University operates as a full private university with particular strength in health sciences and professional programs. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students personally. Wilkes has built a solid reputation for its nursing, pharmacy, and engineering programs, often placing graduates directly into regional healthcare systems and manufacturing companies. The university's 60% six-year graduation rate reflects the hands-on, career-focused approach that attracts many first-generation college students. Business and education programs also draw strong enrollment. Students here get practical experience through internships and clinical rotations rather than theoretical coursework alone. The small size means limited research opportunities but extensive mentorship from faculty.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 39.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 59.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 60.3%
- Retention Rate
- 73.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $63,454
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $133,171 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $110,559 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $94,408 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $76,460 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $68,499 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $65,035 |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $53,984 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $53,219 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $53,099 |
| Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering. | Bachelor | $52,941 |
Campus Life
Wilkes sits in a small Pennsylvania city about two hours from both Philadelphia and New York City. With housing capacity for 1,135 students and total enrollment of 1,893, roughly 60% of students can live on campus. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know your name.
Winter coats are essential here. Northeastern Pennsylvania gets real snow, and students bundle up for walks between the historic brick buildings that make up the compact downtown campus. The Susquehanna River runs through Wilkes-Barre, giving the area some natural beauty despite its post-industrial character. With 498 athletes competing in 23 varsity sports, game days bring energy to campus life. The Colonels compete in Division III, so sports stay focused on school spirit rather than athletic scholarships. Students often head to nearby Pocono Mountains for weekend hiking or skiing, while others explore the revitalized downtown arts scene. The 73% retention rate suggests most students adjust well to the close-knit community feel that defines campus culture.
Winter coats are essential here. Northeastern Pennsylvania gets real snow, and students bundle up for walks between the historic brick buildings that make up the compact downtown campus. The Susquehanna River runs through Wilkes-Barre, giving the area some natural beauty despite its post-industrial character. With 498 athletes competing in 23 varsity sports, game days bring energy to campus life. The Colonels compete in Division III, so sports stay focused on school spirit rather than athletic scholarships. Students often head to nearby Pocono Mountains for weekend hiking or skiing, while others explore the revitalized downtown arts scene. The 73% retention rate suggests most students adjust well to the close-knit community feel that defines campus culture.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 1,135 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1933
Campus Safety (2023)
4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 20°–35°F
- July Avg
- 62°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 38.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 45.1"
Student Demographics
Wilkes draws heavily from Pennsylvania, with 71% of students calling the state home, reflecting its strong regional reputation in northeastern Pennsylvania. Women slightly outnumber men at 53%, typical for universities with robust health science and education programs. The student body is predominantly white at 70%, with growing Hispanic enrollment at 11%. Nearly 30% receive Pell Grants, showing Wilkes serves middle-class families seeking career-focused education. The school's commitment to practical preparation attracts students who value hands-on learning and strong job placement rates in fields like pharmacy, engineering, and nursing.
- Men
- 47.3%
- Women
- 52.7%
- White
- 70.2%
- Black
- 5.8%
- Hispanic
- 11.4%
- Asian
- 2.8%
- In-State Students
- 70.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 29.8%
Location
Wilkes University sits in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, a small city about 120 miles north of Philadelphia and 100 miles southwest of New York City. The campus draws 70.73% of its students from within Pennsylvania, reflecting strong regional ties to this former coal mining center in the Wyoming Valley. Wilkes-Barre has transformed from its industrial past into a college town anchored by Wilkes and nearby institutions. The city offers students access to outdoor recreation in the Pocono Mountains and urban internship opportunities in Scranton, just 20 minutes away. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Wilkes University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18766
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $63,454
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $68,279
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $47,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 72.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $276/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Wilkes University?
Wilkes University accepts 94% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1060 and 1260 on the SAT, with an average of 1160.
How much does Wilkes University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $27,700 annually after aid, less than the $58,692 sticker price. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, and those receiving institutional grants average $28,285 in aid.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Wilkes University?
The university maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,893 total students enrolled. This small size allows for personalized attention and close relationships between students and professors.
Does Wilkes University have good career outcomes?
Graduates earn a median salary of $63,454 ten years after enrollment, with an impressive 98% employment rate. The university has a strong reputation for career preparation, though only 60% of students graduate within six years.
Where is Wilkes University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, a small city setting that offers urban amenities without the overwhelming pace of larger cities. With housing for 1,135 students and 23 varsity sports teams, campus life centers around close-knit community connections.
Is Wilkes University known for any particular programs?
Founded in 1933, Wilkes has built a reputation as a comprehensive university with strong professional programs. The school's 73% retention rate reflects solid student satisfaction, while its Division III athletics program fields 23 teams competing as the Colonels.
