Wilkes vs. Longwood University

Comparable Facts

Compare Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, PA with Longwood University in Farmville, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Wilkes University is larger than Longwood University based on total student enrollment (5,381 students vs. 4,612 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wilkes University is located in Wilkes-Barre, PA (Small City setting); Longwood University is in Farmville, VA (Remote Town setting).
• Wilkes University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Longwood University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wilkes University 13:1; Longwood University 15:1.

Wilkes vs. Longwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wilkes or Longwood University? 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 Longwood University than Wilkes ($20,847 vs. $28,511).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wilkes University are 7.2% lower than at Longwood University ($16,166 vs. $17,424).
• Wilkes University is 176.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Longwood University (about $27,752 more per year; $43,496.00 vs. $15,744.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55.5% higher at Wilkes than at Longwood University (about $15,518 more per year; $43,496.00 vs. $27,978.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wilkes University than at Longwood University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wilkes University students is 103% larger than aid received by Longwood University students ($28,324 vs. $13,954).

Wilkes vs. Longwood University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Wilkes or Longwood University? 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 Longwood University and Wilkes.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wilkes University (1140) is 20 points higher than at Longwood University (1120).
• Incoming Wilkes students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at Longwood University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wilkes University 1020/1250; Longwood University 1030/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wilkes University 22/29; Longwood University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wilkes - Test optional; Longwood University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Longwood University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at Wilkes (3.56).
• Wilkes has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than Longwood University (90.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.3% at Wilkes vs. 17% at Longwood University.

Wilkes vs. Longwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wilkes and Longwood University? 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).

• Longwood University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Wilkes University's (58%).
• Graduates from Wilkes University earn a median of about $15,000 more per year than Longwood University graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,200 vs. $43,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Longwood University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Wilkes graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Longwood University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wilkes graduates ($258 vs. $268).
• More Longwood University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Wilkes students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 75%)

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.