Samford University vs. Wilkes

Comparable Facts

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

Samford University is larger than Wilkes based on total student enrollment (6,097 students vs. 5,381 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Samford University vs. Wilkes Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford 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 Samford University ($28,511 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Samford University are 19.2% lower than at Wilkes University ($13,056 vs. $16,166).
• Wilkes University is 8.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Samford University (about $3,346 more per year; $43,496.00 vs. $40,150.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.3% higher at Wilkes than at Samford University (about $3,346 more per year; $43,496.00 vs. $40,150.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Samford University as at Wilkes University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wilkes University students is 25.7% larger than aid received by Samford University students ($28,324 vs. $22,530).

Samford University vs. Wilkes Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Samford University (1160) is 20 points higher than at Wilkes (1140).
• Incoming Samford University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 25) as students at Wilkes (25).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 1070/1250; Wilkes University 1020/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 22/28; Wilkes University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; Wilkes - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Samford University students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Wilkes (3.56).
• Wilkes has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than Samford University (82.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 9.3% at Wilkes.

Samford University vs. Wilkes Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford 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).

• Samford University's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Wilkes University's (58%).
• Graduates from Wilkes University earn a median of about $800 more per year than Samford University graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,200 vs. $57,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Samford University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Wilkes graduates ($22,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Samford University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wilkes graduates ($232 vs. $268).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Wilkes students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 75%)

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.