Eastern University vs. Wilkes

Comparable Facts

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

Eastern University is larger than Wilkes based on total student enrollment (8,727 students vs. 5,381 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern University is located in Saint Davids, PA (Large Suburban setting); Wilkes University is in Wilkes-Barre, PA (Small City setting).
• Eastern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wilkes University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Eastern University 21:1; Wilkes University 13:1.

Eastern University vs. Wilkes Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Eastern 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 Eastern University than Wilkes ($27,422 vs. $28,511).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Eastern University are 16.5% lower than at Wilkes University ($13,498 vs. $16,166).
• Wilkes University is 13.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Eastern University (about $5,096 more per year; $43,496.00 vs. $38,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.3% higher at Wilkes than at Eastern University (about $5,096 more per year; $43,496.00 vs. $38,400.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Eastern University as at Wilkes University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wilkes University students is 5.5% larger than aid received by Eastern University students ($28,324 vs. $26,838).

Eastern University vs. Wilkes Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Eastern 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 Eastern University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wilkes University (1140) is 40 points higher than at Eastern University (1100).
• Incoming Wilkes students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at Eastern University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern University 1010/1190; Wilkes University 1020/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern University 20/24; Wilkes University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Eastern University - Test optional; Wilkes - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Eastern University students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.58) than students at Wilkes (3.56).
• Eastern University has a higher acceptance rate (90.8%) than Wilkes (90.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at Eastern University vs. 9.3% at Wilkes.

Eastern University vs. Wilkes Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Eastern 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).

• Eastern University's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than Wilkes University's (58%).
• Graduates from Wilkes University earn a median of about $12,300 more per year than Eastern University graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,200 vs. $45,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wilkes University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Eastern University graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,500).
• Among borrowers, Wilkes graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Eastern University graduates ($268 vs. $274).
• More Wilkes graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Eastern University students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 58%)

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.