Alvernia University vs. Wilkes

Comparable Facts

Compare Alvernia University in Reading, PA with Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Wilkes University is larger than Alvernia University based on total student enrollment (5,381 students vs. 2,796 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alvernia University is located in Reading, PA (Small City setting); Wilkes University is in Wilkes-Barre, PA (Small City setting).
• Alvernia University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wilkes University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alvernia University 14:1; Wilkes University 13:1.

Alvernia University vs. Wilkes Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alvernia University or Wilkes? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Wilkes University than Alvernia University ($28,511 vs. $28,645).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Alvernia University are 4.4% lower than at Wilkes University ($15,460 vs. $16,166).
• Alvernia University is 3.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wilkes (about $1,504 more per year; $45,000.00 vs. $43,496.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.5% higher at Alvernia University than at Wilkes University (about $1,504 more per year; $45,000.00 vs. $43,496.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Alvernia University as at Wilkes University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alvernia University students is 2.5% larger than aid received by Wilkes University students ($29,034 vs. $28,324).

Alvernia University vs. Wilkes Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alvernia University or Wilkes? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Wilkes and Alvernia University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Alvernia University (1190) is 50 points higher than at Wilkes (1140).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alvernia University 1093/1286; Wilkes University 1020/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWilkes University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alvernia University - Test optional; Wilkes - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Wilkes students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Alvernia University (3.41).
• Wilkes has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than Alvernia University (58.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.3% at Alvernia University vs. 9.3% at Wilkes.

Alvernia University vs. Wilkes Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alvernia University and Wilkes? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Wilkes University's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Alvernia University's (53%).
• Graduates from Wilkes University earn a median of about $13,400 more per year than Alvernia University graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,200 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wilkes University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Alvernia University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Wilkes graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alvernia University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Wilkes graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alvernia University students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 61%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.