Widener University vs. Wilkes

Comparable Facts

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

Widener University is larger than Wilkes based on total student enrollment (5,713 students vs. 5,381 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Widener University vs. Wilkes Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Widener 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 Widener University than Wilkes ($26,778 vs. $28,511).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wilkes University are 2.2% lower than at Widener University ($16,166 vs. $16,530).
• Widener University is 28.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wilkes (about $12,234 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $43,496.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28.1% higher at Widener University than at Wilkes University (about $12,234 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $43,496.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Widener University as at Wilkes University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Widener University students is 54.3% larger than aid received by Wilkes University students ($43,706 vs. $28,324).

Widener University vs. Wilkes Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Widener University (1190) is 50 points higher than at Wilkes (1140).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Widener University 1080/1290; Wilkes University 1020/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWilkes University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Widener University - Test optional; Wilkes - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Wilkes students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Widener University (3.46).
• Wilkes has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than Widener University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.8% at Widener University vs. 9.3% at Wilkes.

Widener University vs. Wilkes Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Widener 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).

• Wilkes University's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Widener University's (54%).
• Graduates from Widener University earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than Wilkes graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,500 vs. $58,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wilkes University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Widener University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Wilkes graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Widener University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Wilkes graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Widener University students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 68%)

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.