Canisius vs. Wilkes

Comparable Facts

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

Wilkes University is larger than Canisius based on total student enrollment (5,381 students vs. 2,451 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Canisius vs. Wilkes Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Canisius 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 Canisius University than Wilkes ($19,666 vs. $28,511).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Canisius University are 16.1% lower than at Wilkes University ($13,560 vs. $16,166).
• Wilkes University is 26.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Canisius (about $8,996 more per year; $43,496.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.1% higher at Wilkes than at Canisius University (about $8,996 more per year; $43,496.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Canisius University as at Wilkes University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wilkes University students is 13.4% larger than aid received by Canisius University students ($28,324 vs. $24,972).

Canisius vs. Wilkes Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Canisius 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 Canisius.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Canisius University (1190) is 50 points higher than at Wilkes (1140).
• Incoming Canisius students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 25) as students at Wilkes (25).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Canisius University 1050/1320; Wilkes University 1020/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Canisius University 22/28; Wilkes University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Canisius - Test-free; Wilkes - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Canisius students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Wilkes (3.56).
• Wilkes has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than Canisius (72.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at Canisius vs. 9.3% at Wilkes.

Canisius vs. Wilkes Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Canisius 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).

• Canisius University's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than Wilkes University's (58%).
• Graduates from Wilkes University earn a median of about $8,300 more per year than Canisius graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,200 vs. $49,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Canisius University graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Wilkes graduates ($24,750 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Canisius graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wilkes graduates ($255 vs. $268).
• More Wilkes graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Canisius students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 71%)

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.