At $27,700/yr net price, Wilkes University graduates earn $63,454/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $29,454/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,700 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $110,800 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,454/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,454/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 60.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,760/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,199/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $26,339/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,365/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,745/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $133,171 | $37,070 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $110,559 | $66,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $94,408 | $41,390 |
| 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 | $24,990 |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $53,984 | $25,662 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $53,219 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $53,099 | |
| Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering. | Bachelor | $52,941 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
60.3% of students at Wilkes University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 40% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Wilkes University delivers strong returns for health science students but leaves other majors financially vulnerable. The nursing programs produce graduates earning over $90,000 annually, making the $37,000-$41,000 debt loads manageable. Pharmacy graduates see even higher earnings at $110,559, though they carry $66,000 in debt that requires careful financial planning.
Computer science offers decent prospects at $68,499, but most other programs struggle to justify the $27,700 annual net price. With only 60% of students graduating and median earnings of $63,454 across all majors, many students face years of debt payments without strong earning power.
Your biggest risk here is choosing the wrong major. Non-health programs often lead to debt burdens that outweigh career prospects in northeastern Pennsylvania's limited job market. The 73% retention rate signals that many students recognize this mismatch early.
Wilkes works financially if you can secure admission to nursing or pharmacy and handle the academic rigor. The university's health science reputation opens doors regionally. However, if you're undecided on major or interested in liberal arts, business, or education, you'll likely find better value elsewhere.
Financial aid reaches only 30% of students, suggesting limited need-based assistance. Focus your application energy on merit scholarships tied to specific programs. The school's small size means aid decisions can be more personalized than at larger institutions, but don't expect generous packages unless you bring strong credentials to high-demand programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wilkes University worth the cost for most students?
Wilkes University's ROI depends heavily on your major. Nursing and pharmacy graduates earn well above the national average, but the $27,700 annual net price is steep for a school where 40% of students don't graduate and median earnings are $63,454.
What are the best paying majors at Wilkes University?
Nursing administration leads at $133,171 median earnings, followed by pharmacy at $110,559. These health programs justify the cost, while general computer science graduates earn $68,499, which is decent but not exceptional for the price.
How much debt do Wilkes University students graduate with?
The median debt load is $26,000, which is manageable if you're in nursing or pharmacy but risky for lower-paying majors. With a 60% graduation rate, many students leave with debt but no degree.
Does Wilkes University provide good financial aid?
The net price of $27,700 suggests modest financial aid for most families. This makes Wilkes expensive compared to state schools, so the investment only makes sense for high-earning programs like nursing or pharmacy.