About

About Wilkes University

doctoral professional universityhigh acceptance ratehealth business engineering focussmall class sizesprivate pennsylvania institution

Wilkes University is a private university in Wilkes-Barre, PA, known for its doctoral professional university, high acceptance rate, and health business engineering focus. With an acceptance rate of 94%, Wilkes is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 478 students each year. Wilkes is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1060–1260, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Wilkes offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $28,661 per year; the sticker price of $60,405 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Wilkes University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

94%
Overall Accept Rate
1160
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1060 – 1260 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Wilkes University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Application Strategy
Wilkes has strong programs in engineering, business, and nursing, so name your specific intended major clearly in your application and connect it to Wilkes's hands-on, career-focused curriculum rather than writing a generic interest statement.
Essay Strategy
Wilkes has a deep civic identity tied to Wilkes-Barre and the broader Northeastern Pennsylvania community, so if you have any connection to the region or interest in community-engaged work, weave that into your essays or additional information section.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Wilkes University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceAvg. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$60k/yr$25.1k
30k-48k~$60k/yr$23.4k
48k-75k~$60k/yr$26.4k
75k-110k~$60k/yr$27.8k
110k+~$60k/yr$31.6k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

60%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$54k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
13:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
2,096
Undergrad Enrollment

Student Body

Student body composition

Race & Ethnicity

66%White
12%Hispanic
8%International
6%Black / African American
4%Two or More Races
3%Asian
1%Unknown / Unreported
0%American Indian / AK Native
0%Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
Gender48% Men · 52% Women
Citizenship / Immigration Status92% Citizens and Immigrants · 8% International
Wilkes, Wilkes-Barre Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch