Worcester State University vs. Wilkes

Comparable Facts

Compare Worcester State University in Worcester, MA with Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Worcester State University is larger than Wilkes based on total student enrollment (5,745 students vs. 5,381 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Worcester State University is located in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting); Wilkes University is in Wilkes-Barre, PA (Small City setting).
• Worcester State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Wilkes University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Worcester State University 16:1; Wilkes University 13:1.

Worcester State University vs. Wilkes Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Worcester State University 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 Worcester State University than Wilkes ($12,778 vs. $28,511).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Worcester State University are 11.5% lower than at Wilkes University ($14,307 vs. $16,166).
• Wilkes University is 269% more expensive for in-state tuition than Worcester State University (about $31,710 more per year; $43,496.00 vs. $11,786.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 143.5% higher at Wilkes than at Worcester State University (about $25,630 more per year; $43,496.00 vs. $17,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wilkes University than at Worcester State University (100% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wilkes University students is 199.3% larger than aid received by Worcester State University students ($28,324 vs. $9,464).

Worcester State University vs. Wilkes Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Worcester State University 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 Worcester State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Worcester State University (1150) is 10 points higher than at Wilkes (1140).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Worcester State University 1026/1283; Wilkes University 1020/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWilkes University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Worcester State University - Test optional; Wilkes - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Worcester State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Wilkes students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Worcester State University (3.3).
• Wilkes has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than Worcester State University (88%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.7% at Worcester State University vs. 9.3% at Wilkes.

Worcester State University vs. Wilkes Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Worcester State University 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 Worcester State University's (47%).
• Graduates from Wilkes University earn a median of about $9,000 more per year than Worcester State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,200 vs. $49,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Worcester State University graduates have a $6,000 lower median loan debt than Wilkes graduates ($20,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Worcester State University graduates have an estimated $62 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wilkes graduates ($206 vs. $268).
• More Wilkes graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Worcester State University students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 66%)

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.