University of Southern Maine vs. Wilkes

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Southern Maine in Portland, ME with Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Southern Maine is larger than Wilkes based on total student enrollment (7,604 students vs. 5,381 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Southern Maine is located in Portland, ME (Small City setting); Wilkes University is in Wilkes-Barre, PA (Small City setting).
• University of Southern Maine is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Wilkes University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Southern Maine 14:1; Wilkes University 13:1.

University of Southern Maine vs. Wilkes Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Southern Maine 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 Southern Maine than Wilkes ($14,028 vs. $28,511).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Southern Maine are 24% lower than at Wilkes University ($12,280 vs. $16,166).
• Wilkes University is 285.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Southern Maine (about $32,212 more per year; $43,496.00 vs. $11,284.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55.7% higher at Wilkes than at University of Southern Maine (about $15,552 more per year; $43,496.00 vs. $27,944.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wilkes University than at University of Southern Maine (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wilkes University students is 153.2% larger than aid received by University of Southern Maine students ($28,324 vs. $11,188).

University of Southern Maine vs. Wilkes Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Southern Maine 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 Southern Maine.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wilkes University (1140) is 20 points higher than at University of Southern Maine (1120).
• Incoming University of Southern Maine students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Wilkes).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Southern Maine 990/1250; Wilkes University 1020/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Southern Maine 24/28; Wilkes University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Southern Maine - Required; Wilkes - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Wilkes students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at University of Southern Maine (3.33).
• Wilkes has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than University of Southern Maine (79.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.3% at University of Southern Maine vs. 9.3% at Wilkes.

University of Southern Maine vs. Wilkes Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Southern Maine 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 Southern Maine's (33%).
• Graduates from Wilkes University earn a median of about $15,600 more per year than University of Southern Maine graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,200 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Southern Maine graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Wilkes graduates ($22,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Southern Maine graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wilkes graduates ($232 vs. $268).
• More Wilkes graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Southern Maine students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 64%)

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.