Wilkes vs. Liberty University

Comparable Facts

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

Liberty University is larger than Wilkes based on total student enrollment (104,327 students vs. 5,381 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wilkes University is located in Wilkes-Barre, PA (Small City setting); Liberty University is in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Wilkes University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Liberty University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wilkes University 13:1; Liberty University 18:1.

Wilkes vs. Liberty University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wilkes or Liberty 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 Liberty University ($28,511 vs. $29,532).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Liberty University are 14.4% lower than at Wilkes University ($13,835 vs. $16,166).
• Wilkes University is 93.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Liberty University (about $21,031 more per year; $43,496.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 93.6% higher at Wilkes than at Liberty University (about $21,031 more per year; $43,496.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wilkes University than at Liberty University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wilkes University students is 126.8% larger than aid received by Liberty University students ($28,324 vs. $12,489).

Wilkes vs. Liberty University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Wilkes or Liberty 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 Liberty University and Wilkes.

• Liberty University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Liberty University (1150) is 10 points higher than at Wilkes (1140).
• Incoming Wilkes students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 25) as students at Liberty University (25).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wilkes University 1020/1250; Liberty University 1040/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wilkes University 22/29; Liberty University 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wilkes - Test optional; Liberty University - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Wilkes students have the same average high school GPA (3.56) as students at Liberty University (3.56).
• Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (99%) than Wilkes (90.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.3% at Wilkes vs. 24.4% at Liberty University.

Wilkes vs. Liberty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wilkes and Liberty 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).

• Wilkes University's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Liberty University's (47%).
• Graduates from Wilkes University earn a median of about $19,100 more per year than Liberty University graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,200 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Liberty University graduates have a $1,834 lower median loan debt than Wilkes graduates ($24,166 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Liberty University graduates have an estimated $19 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wilkes graduates ($249 vs. $268).
• More Wilkes graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Liberty University students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 36%)

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.