Rockhurst vs. Wilkes

Comparable Facts

Compare Rockhurst University in Kansas City, MO 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 Rockhurst based on total student enrollment (5,381 students vs. 3,577 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rockhurst University is located in Kansas City, MO (Large City setting); Wilkes University is in Wilkes-Barre, PA (Small City setting).
• Rockhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wilkes University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rockhurst University 12:1; Wilkes University 13:1.

Rockhurst vs. Wilkes Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rockhurst 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 Rockhurst University than Wilkes ($25,787 vs. $28,511).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rockhurst University are 26.3% lower than at Wilkes University ($11,920 vs. $16,166).
• Rockhurst University is 3.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wilkes (about $1,470 more per year; $44,966.00 vs. $43,496.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.4% higher at Rockhurst than at Wilkes University (about $1,470 more per year; $44,966.00 vs. $43,496.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Rockhurst University as at Wilkes University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rockhurst University students is 22% larger than aid received by Wilkes University students ($34,562 vs. $28,324).

Rockhurst vs. Wilkes Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rockhurst 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 Rockhurst.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rockhurst University (1180) is 40 points higher than at Wilkes (1140).
• Incoming Wilkes students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at Rockhurst).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockhurst University 1116/1246; Wilkes University 1020/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockhurst University 22/27; Wilkes University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rockhurst - Test optional; Wilkes - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Rockhurst Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Rockhurst students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at Wilkes (3.56).
• Wilkes has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than Rockhurst (69.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.2% at Rockhurst vs. 9.3% at Wilkes.

Rockhurst vs. Wilkes Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rockhurst 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).

• Rockhurst University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Wilkes University's (58%).
• Graduates from Wilkes University earn a median of about $4,700 more per year than Rockhurst graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,200 vs. $53,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rockhurst University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Wilkes graduates ($20,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Rockhurst graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wilkes graduates ($211 vs. $268).
• More Wilkes graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rockhurst 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.