University of Akron vs. Wilkes

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Akron Main Campus in Akron, OH with Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Akron Main Campus is larger than Wilkes based on total student enrollment (13,332 students vs. 5,381 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Akron Main Campus is located in Akron, OH (Midsize City setting); Wilkes University is in Wilkes-Barre, PA (Small City setting).
• University of Akron Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Wilkes University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Akron Main Campus 17:1; Wilkes University 13:1.

University of Akron vs. Wilkes Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Akron 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 University of Akron Main Campus than Wilkes ($14,693 vs. $28,511).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Akron Main Campus are 26.4% lower than at Wilkes University ($11,904 vs. $16,166).
• Wilkes University is 231.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Akron (about $30,361 more per year; $43,496.00 vs. $13,135.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 109% higher at Wilkes than at University of Akron Main Campus (about $22,681 more per year; $43,496.00 vs. $20,815.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wilkes University than at University of Akron Main Campus (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wilkes University students is 145.2% larger than aid received by University of Akron Main Campus students ($28,324 vs. $11,551).

University of Akron vs. Wilkes Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Akron 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 University of Akron.

• University of Akron Main Campus reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wilkes University (1140) is 90 points higher than at University of Akron (1050).
• Incoming Wilkes students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at University of Akron).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Akron Main Campus 900/1190; Wilkes University 1020/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Akron Main Campus 17/25; Wilkes University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Akron - Open admission; Wilkes - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Akron Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Wilkes students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at University of Akron (3.47).
• Wilkes has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than University of Akron (59.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.3% at University of Akron vs. 9.3% at Wilkes.

University of Akron vs. Wilkes Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Akron 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).

• Wilkes University's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than University of Akron Main Campus's (38%).
• Graduates from Wilkes University earn a median of about $18,100 more per year than University of Akron graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,200 vs. $40,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Akron Main Campus graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Wilkes graduates ($25,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Akron graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wilkes graduates ($263 vs. $268).
• More Wilkes graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Akron students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 45%)

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.