Wilkes vs. Abilene Christian University

Comparable Facts

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

Wilkes University is larger than Abilene Christian University based on total student enrollment (5,381 students vs. 5,219 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wilkes University is located in Wilkes-Barre, PA (Small City setting); Abilene Christian University is in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Wilkes University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Abilene Christian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wilkes University 13:1; Abilene Christian University 13:1.

Wilkes vs. Abilene Christian University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wilkes or Abilene Christian University? 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 Abilene Christian University ($28,511 vs. $28,760).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Abilene Christian University are 10.1% lower than at Wilkes University ($14,540 vs. $16,166).
• Abilene Christian University is 1.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wilkes (about $704 more per year; $44,200.00 vs. $43,496.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.6% higher at Abilene Christian University than at Wilkes University (about $704 more per year; $44,200.00 vs. $43,496.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Wilkes University as at Abilene Christian University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Abilene Christian University students is 7.8% larger than aid received by Wilkes University students ($30,542 vs. $28,324).

Wilkes vs. Abilene Christian University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Wilkes or Abilene Christian University? 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 Abilene Christian University and Wilkes.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Abilene Christian University (1170) is 30 points higher than at Wilkes (1140).
• Incoming Wilkes students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 25) as students at Abilene Christian University (25).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wilkes University 1020/1250; Abilene Christian University 1070/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wilkes University 22/29; Abilene Christian University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wilkes - Test optional; Abilene Christian University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Abilene Christian University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Abilene Christian University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Wilkes (3.56).
• Wilkes has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than Abilene Christian University (66%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.3% at Wilkes vs. 12.1% at Abilene Christian University.

Wilkes vs. Abilene Christian University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wilkes and Abilene Christian University? 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).

• Abilene Christian University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Wilkes University's (58%).
• Graduates from Wilkes University earn a median of about $12,200 more per year than Abilene Christian University graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,200 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Abilene Christian University graduates have a $675 lower median loan debt than Wilkes graduates ($25,325 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Abilene Christian University graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wilkes graduates ($261 vs. $268).
• More Wilkes graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Abilene Christian University students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 69%)

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.