JCU vs. Wilkes

Comparable Facts

Compare John Carroll University in University Heights, OH 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 JCU based on total student enrollment (5,381 students vs. 2,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

JCU vs. Wilkes Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JCU 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 JCU ($28,511 vs. $30,030).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at John Carroll University are 10.2% lower than at Wilkes University ($14,520 vs. $16,166).
• John Carroll University is 16.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wilkes (about $7,004 more per year; $50,500.00 vs. $43,496.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.1% higher at JCU than at Wilkes University (about $7,004 more per year; $50,500.00 vs. $43,496.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at John Carroll University as at Wilkes University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by John Carroll University students is 26.3% larger than aid received by Wilkes University students ($35,785 vs. $28,324).

JCU vs. Wilkes Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, JCU 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 JCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at John Carroll University (1260) is 120 points higher than at Wilkes (1140).
• Incoming JCU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at Wilkes).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: John Carroll University 1180/1330; Wilkes University 1020/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: John Carroll University 25/32; Wilkes University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JCU - Test optional; Wilkes - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman JCU students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Wilkes (3.56).
• Wilkes has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than JCU (80.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.9% at JCU vs. 9.3% at Wilkes.

JCU vs. Wilkes Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JCU 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).

• John Carroll University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Wilkes University's (58%).
• Graduates from Wilkes University earn a median of about $600 more per year than JCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,200 vs. $57,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wilkes University graduates have a $939 lower median loan debt than JCU graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,939).
• Among borrowers, Wilkes graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JCU graduates ($268 vs. $278).
• More Wilkes graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former JCU students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 74%)

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.