Wilkes University vs Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
Wilkes University is a private university in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Pennsylvania State University-World Campus is a public university in University Park, PA. Both admit about 91% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $19,550 a year at Pennsylvania State University-World Campus after aid, and about $27,743 at Wilkes University. About 62% of students graduate at Wilkes University, compared with 34% at Pennsylvania State University-World Campus. Ten years after enrolling, Wilkes University alumni earn a median of about $63,454, against $63,435 for Pennsylvania State University-World Campus.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Wilkes-Barre, PA
University Park, PA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,985
7,877
Acceptance rate
91%
91%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.27–3.77
3.3–3.8
SAT (middle 50%)
1020–1250
1090–1335
ACT (middle 50%)
22–29
26–32
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$27,743
$19,550
Full cost / yr
$56,765
$27,678
In-state tuition
$43,496
$15,356
Out-of-state tuition
$43,496
$15,356
Application fee
$40
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$25,062
$16,372
$30k - $48k
$23,440
$17,144
$48k - $75k
$26,432
$19,337
$75k - $110k
$27,843
$23,852
Over $110k
$31,638
$26,078
Outcomes
Graduation rate
62%
34%
Freshman retention
72%
66%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$54,128
$55,620
Median earnings (10 yr)
$63,454
$63,435
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
34%
31%
First-generation students
35%
29%
International students
8%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Dec 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Jun 30
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is Wilkes University or Pennsylvania State University-World Campus harder to get into?
- They are about equally selective: both admit around 91% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Wilkes University or Pennsylvania State University-World Campus?
- Pennsylvania State University-World Campus is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,550 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $27,743 at Wilkes University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Wilkes University and Pennsylvania State University-World Campus?
- Before aid, Pennsylvania State University-World Campus costs about $27,678 a year and Wilkes University about $56,765. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Wilkes University or Pennsylvania State University-World Campus?
- Pennsylvania State University-World Campus. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,372 there, against about $25,062 at Wilkes University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Wilkes University or Pennsylvania State University-World Campus?
- Pennsylvania State University-World Campus is the larger of the two, with about 7,877 undergraduates against 1,985 at Wilkes University.
- Does Wilkes University or Pennsylvania State University-World Campus have a better graduation rate?
- Wilkes University has the higher graduation rate, at about 62% against 34% at Pennsylvania State University-World Campus.
- Do graduates of Wilkes University or Pennsylvania State University-World Campus earn more?
- Wilkes University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $63,454 ten years after enrolling, against about $63,435 for Pennsylvania State University-World Campus. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Wilkes University and Pennsylvania State University-World Campus require SAT or ACT scores?
- Wilkes University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Pennsylvania State University-World Campus considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
- What SAT scores do Wilkes University and Pennsylvania State University-World Campus look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1020–1250 at Wilkes University and 1090–1335 at Pennsylvania State University-World Campus. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Wilkes University vs Swarthmore CollegeWilkes University vs Haverford CollegeWilkes University vs Franklin and Marshall CollegePennsylvania State University-World Campus vs University of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania State University-World Campus vs Carnegie Mellon UniversityPennsylvania State University-World Campus vs Lehigh University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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