W&J vs. Wilkes

Comparable Facts

Compare Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, 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 W&J based on total student enrollment (5,381 students vs. 1,309 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Washington & Jefferson College is located in Washington, PA (Large Suburban setting); Wilkes University is in Wilkes-Barre, PA (Small City setting).
• Washington & Jefferson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wilkes University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Washington & Jefferson College 11:1; Wilkes University 13:1.

W&J vs. Wilkes Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, W&J 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 Washington & Jefferson College than Wilkes ($22,702 vs. $28,511).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washington & Jefferson College are 9% lower than at Wilkes University ($14,710 vs. $16,166).
• Wilkes University is 48% more expensive for in-state tuition than W&J (about $14,104 more per year; $43,496.00 vs. $29,392.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 48% higher at Wilkes than at Washington & Jefferson College (about $14,104 more per year; $43,496.00 vs. $29,392.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Washington & Jefferson College as at Wilkes University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wilkes University students is 40.6% larger than aid received by Washington & Jefferson College students ($28,324 vs. $20,152).

W&J vs. Wilkes Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, W&J 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 W&J.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wilkes University (1140) is 10 points higher than at W&J (1130).
• Incoming Wilkes students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at W&J).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington & Jefferson College 1010/1250; Wilkes University 1020/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Washington & Jefferson College 19/28; Wilkes University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: W&J - Test-free; Wilkes - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Wilkes students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at W&J (3.54).
• Wilkes has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than W&J (80.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.6% at W&J vs. 9.3% at Wilkes.

W&J vs. Wilkes Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for W&J 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).

• Washington & Jefferson College's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Wilkes University's (58%).
• Graduates from Wilkes University earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than W&J graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,200 vs. $56,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wilkes University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than W&J graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Wilkes graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than W&J graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More W&J graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Wilkes students, three years after graduation. (79% 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.