Wilkes University
2025 USNews Best Colleges Ranking: 288(↓19) (Click for schools/majors ranking)
Abbreviation/Alias: Wilkes
School Characteristics: Private, non-Profit (4-Years)
Calendar systerm: Semester
Religious Affiliation: Not applicable
School Chief: Greg Cant (President)
Website: https://www.wilkes.edu/; Phone: 5704085000
Location: 84 West South Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA, 18766
Wilkes University Important Facts
Discussion on Key Data Trends in Wilkes University
Wilkes University, a private institution, exhibits notable trends over the years in aspects such as tuition costs, graduation rates, student retention, and gender ratios among students.
Firstly, the continuous increase in tuition costs for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduates is significant, demonstrating a trend that many institutions face today. From 2014 to 2024, tuition for in-state students rose from $30,350 to $42,286, a staggering increase of approximately 39%. This rapid escalation in costs poses a challenge for students and their families and highlights the growing concern surrounding college affordability in America.
Secondly, examining graduation rates reveals both successes and challenges. The on-time graduation rate fluctuated slightly but showed a favorable trend, being approximately 52.6% for 2023, indicating an improvement over previous years. Furthermore, the extended graduation rate (150% time) also shows resilience, reaching nearly 63.9% in 2023. These rates may reflect positively on the university's support systems for students, which is crucial for enhancing student outcomes.
The retention rates, however, deserve attention, as they dropped to about 71.2% in 2023 from 78.4% in 2014. This decline indicates potential concerns regarding student satisfaction and academic support, which could affect enrollment numbers and the institution's reputation.
Lastly, the gender ratio among undergraduates and graduates has gradually shifted. While the male to female ratio has remained fairly balanced, with female undergraduates making up around 53.2% in 2023, the graduate programs show a significant female majority at approximately 78.9%. This trend can reflect broader societal shifts towards higher female enrollment in advanced education.
In conclusion, Wilkes University showcases a complex landscape of rising costs coupled with improved graduation outcomes but concerning retention rates. As institutions navigate these dynamics, understanding the interplay between these factors becomes crucial for future strategies aimed at recruitment and student success.
Wilkes University Degrees and Majors
Analysis of Graduation Trends at Wilkes University in 2023
The 2023 graduation data from Wilkes University reveals intriguing trends across various fields of study. Notably, education-related degrees dominate the master's degree category, with Teacher Education and Professional Development registering the highest number of graduates at 120. This indicates a strong commitment to developing qualified educators, reflecting the ongoing need for skilled teaching professionals in the current educational landscape.
Interestingly, a significant portion of the master's degrees awarded, totaling approximately 70%, belongs to education programs. Conversely, the bachelor’s degrees are largely sparse, with only 60 awarded in Liberal Arts and Sciences and no international students recorded for this level across most disciplines. This disparity raises questions about the evolving preferences of students, possibly leaning more towards advanced degrees rather than undergraduate studies.
The healthcare sector, particularly in nursing and medical fields, shows modest figures with both master's degrees in Nursing Practice and doctorates in related paths indicating steady interest but not overwhelming graduation numbers. This could be attributed to the rigorous training and increasing competitiveness within health studies.
Furthermore, the data indicates an emerging interest in areas such as psychology and digital communication, with a small but noticeable number of graduates, signaling shifts in student interests potentially influenced by contemporary societal challenges and communication needs in the digital age.
Overall, the graduation data paints a picture of evolving educational priorities at Wilkes University, with a clear emphasis on advanced degrees in education and healthcare amidst other emerging fields, suggesting a dynamic adaptation to the changing job market and societal demands.
Wilkes University Ranking and Admission
Analysis of Wilkes University's Admission Trends and Rankings
The data reveals a noticeable decline in Wilkes University's rankings over the years, with the latest ranking for 2025 being 288th. This downward trend is concerning, particularly as it follows a relatively stable period in the early 2020s. For instance, the rank dropped from 234th in 2023 to 269th in 2024, and continues to decline further. In terms of admission rates, the past few years have shown an interesting shift. The acceptance rate for males and females was notably high around 2021 and 2022, peaking at approximately 90.5% for males and 93.1% for females. However, this rate has dropped slightly in subsequent years, which may suggest more competitive admission processes or a decrease in student applications. The enrollment numbers also reflect this pattern, with steady enrollments hovering around 500-600, despite tens of thousands of applications driving a substantial number of denials. As universities adapt to changing demographic landscapes and economic conditions, Wilkes University might need to reevaluate its strategies to attract more applicants, improve its ranking, and maintain a robust enrollment rate. The interplay between declining rankings and fluctuating admission rates indicates a potential area of concern for prospective students considering this institution. Overall, while the acceptance rates depict Wilkes as an accessible institution, the decline in ranking suggests a pressing need for strategic enhancements to elevate its academic standing and overall reputation.
Wilkes University Admission Score Requires
*Numbers at left represent SAT/ACT submitting percentage, numbers on blue blocks represent 25%-75% admission scores
**Drag green block to check data for different years, click blue block to check scores trends
Analysis of SAT Scores at Wilkes University Over the Years
The SAT score data for Wilkes University demonstrates notable trends over the years. Consistently, a high percentage of students submit their SAT scores for admission, indicating that standardized testing remains a critical factor in the admissions process. Between 2007 and 2024, the percentage of students submitting SAT scores fluctuated, with a substantial drop evident in recent years. For instance, in 2022, only 30% of applicants submitted SAT scores and this further decreased to 27% in 2024.
The range of SAT Reading and Mathematics scores shows a varying but generally upward trend in the 25th to 75th percentile scores. This suggests an overall improvement in the quality of applicants over the years, where higher scores are observed even amid declining submission rates. In contrast, the most recent data from 2023 reveals higher score expectations at the 25th percentile for both reading and math sections compared to earlier years, reflecting a shift in the applicant pool's capabilities.
Furthermore, this trend coincides with a growing national dialogue about the role of standardized tests in college admissions. Many institutions are re-evaluating their reliance on such metrics, resulting in a decrease in submission rates as prospective students assess their competitiveness without these scores. This evolving landscape indicates that Wilkes University might need to adapt its admissions processes to align with these changes while maintaining academic standards. Overall, while the test scores have shown improvement, the declining percentage of submissions raises important questions about future admissions strategies.
Wilkes University Students Diversity
Student Demographics at Wilkes University in 2024
The student demographic data from Wilkes University for the year 2024 reveals a diverse and evolving student body. A total of 5,400 students are enrolled, with a notable distinction between undergraduate and graduate populations. Among the undergraduate new students, there are 513 individuals, with a slightly higher percentage of males (53.4%) compared to females (46.6%). This trend shifts for undergraduate continuing students, where the female representation rises to 53.8%, and males drop to 46.2%.
Graduate students, who constitute the largest group at 3,242, show a stark gender disparity, with only 21.2% being male and a substantial 78.8% female. This significant gender imbalance in graduate studies highlights the growing trend of women pursuing higher education, reflecting national patterns where women's enrollment in graduate programs continues to rise.
In terms of racial diversity, the largest proportions of students identified as White, with 342 new undergraduates and 3,193 graduate students. However, it's essential to note the presence of other racial and ethnic groups, including Asian, Latinx, and African students, although the exact numbers for these groups were not specified.
The university's efforts towards inclusivity and diversity seem to be evolving, although there is certainly room for improvement. As we look at broader trends in education and society, Wilkes University appears to exemplify the changing demographics within higher education, particularly in gender representation.
Wilkes University Students Age Distribution
Analysis of Age Composition at Wilkes University in 2024
The age distribution of students at Wilkes University for the year 2024 reveals interesting trends and insights into the demographic landscape of the university. Notably, the largest cohort consists of students aged 18-19, with a significant presence of both undergraduate males and females. This indicates a strong influx of first-year students, which is typical for most universities as they welcome new classes each academic year.
The data also suggests a notable increase in female graduate students, especially in the 25-29 age category, where they significantly outnumber their male counterparts. This trend aligns with national statistics showing a growing number of women pursuing higher education and graduate degrees in recent years. The demographic shift may be attributed to various societal factors, including increased career opportunities and supportive educational policies focused on women's advancement.
Interestingly, the university also maintains a diverse age range among its student body, with individuals in their 30s and 40s actively participating in higher education. This reflects the evolving nature of professional development, where non-traditional students seek further education to enhance their skills and remain competitive in the job market.
On the other hand, students over the age of 65 form a very small segment of the population, highlighting the challenges and considerations for lifelong learning among older individuals.
Overall, Wilkes University's age composition data illustrates its role as an inclusive educational institution catering to a wide range of ages, while also capturing broader trends in higher education reflective of current societal dynamics.
Wilkes University International Students Trends
Analysis of International Student Enrollment Trends at Wilkes University
The data on international student enrollment at Wilkes University reveals a fluctuating trend over the years, particularly concerning undergraduate and graduate demographics.
From 2005 to 2013, there was a notable increase in the proportion of international undergraduates, rising from 0.19% to 4.60%. This growth can be interpreted as a positive response to the university's outreach and appeal to the international community, which aligns with broader trends seen in U.S. higher education, where institutions are actively seeking to diversify their student body.
However, starting from 2014, the percentage of international undergraduates peaked at 8.83% but then began to decline in subsequent years. For instance, by 2024, this percentage had decreased to 5.57%. This decline could be partly attributed to broader geopolitical tensions and changing visa policies that may deter international students from studying in the U.S., alongside the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global mobility.
The trends among graduate students show an even sharper decline. While there were years where the graduate population included up to 1.72% international students, the numbers have diminished drastically, with figures dropping to as low as 0.03% in 2022 and remaining at 0.34% through 2024. This stark decline raises concerns about the university's appeal to international graduate students and may necessitate strategic initiatives to re-attract this demographic.
Overall, while Wilkes University initially benefited from robust international student enrollment, recent years highlight significant challenges that may affect its reputation and operational sustainability in a globally competitive educational environment. Addressing these concerns should be a priority for university administrators moving forward.
Wilkes University Campus and Safety
Nearby Top Colleges
Here are some notable universities surrounding Wilkes University:
Misericordia University - Ranked 244 in the 2025 US News, this university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its personal attention to students.
Lehigh University - With a rank of 46, Lehigh is recognized for its strong engineering and business programs, providing a rigorous academic environment.
Lafayette College - This liberal arts college is ranked 31 and is celebrated for its commitment to undergraduate education and rich campus life.
Bucknell University - Also ranked 31, Bucknell offers a variety of programs and is known for its picturesque campus and vibrant community.
Villanova University - Ranking 58, Villanova is famous for its strong academic programs and commitment to service and community engagement.
Cornell University - A prestigious Ivy League institution, ranked 11, Cornell offers a vast array of programs and is renowned for its research output and academic excellence.
Princeton University - The top-ranked university at number 1, Princeton is known for its distinguished faculty, rigorous academic standards, and beautiful campus.
These schools provide numerous opportunities for collaboration and interaction, enriching the educational environment in the region.
Campus Safety
Trends in Campus Crime at Wilkes University
Analyzing the crime statistics at Wilkes University from 2013 to 2023 reveals significant trends that merit attention. The overall crime rate saw fluctuations over the years, peaking in 2015 at 16.88 incidents per 1,000 students before gradually declining. The data for 2023 demonstrates a remarkable drop, with a rate of just 2.88 incidents per 1,000 students, indicating a substantial improvement in campus safety.
A closer look at the types of offenses highlights vital shifts. Gun arrests, which can be particularly alarming in the context of campus safety, seem to have occurred infrequently across the decade, keeping the rates stable or even absent in some years. This is encouraging as it suggests an effective response to firearm-related incidents. However, both drug-related and alcohol-related offenses showed varying prevalence; the statistics point to a need for continued vigilance and resources directed towards substance abuse programming.
The decline in crime rates, particularly noted in 2022 and 2023, could likely result from enhanced security measures, community awareness programs, and increasing student engagement in safety initiatives. This impressive downward trend is commendable and may serve as a model for other institutions aiming to promote student well-being.
Continued efforts to maintain and further lower these rates should remain a priority to ensure that the campus environment remains safe and conducive to learning. For those interested in the methodology of calculating crime rates, this link may provide additional insights: 'https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447'.
Reference
- Wilkes University Official Website
- USNews Best Colleges Ranking
- USNews Bset Global Universities Ranking
- THE World University Ranking
- QS World University Ranking
- ARWU World University Ranking
- US Department of Education College Scorecard
- National Center for Education Statistics
- Forward Pathway US College Ranking Database
Wilkes University Important Facts Trends
Wilkes University degrees/majors
Wilkes University major details
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2023 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology/Technologist. | - | |||
Pharmacy. | $98,089 | |||
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $77,226-$150,107 | |||
Nursing Practice. | $77,226-$150,107 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Educational Leadership and Administration, General. | $85,253 | |||
Elementary and Middle School Administration/Principalship. | $85,253 | |||
International School Administration/Leadership. | $85,253 | |||
Educational/Instructional Technology. | - | |||
Special Education and Teaching, General. | - | |||
Elementary Education and Teaching. | $45,853-$61,012 | |||
Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education and Teaching. | $45,853-$61,012 | |||
Secondary Education and Teaching. | $45,853-$61,012 | |||
Online Educator/Online Teaching. | $45,853-$61,012 | |||
English/Language Arts Teacher Education. | $59,372 | |||
Mathematics Teacher Education. | $59,372 | |||
Reading Teacher Education. | $59,372 | |||
Science Teacher Education/General Science Teacher Education. | $59,372 | |||
Social Studies Teacher Education. | $59,372 | |||
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas, Other. | $59,372 | |||
Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor. | $62,713 | |||
Education, Other. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Business Administration and Management, General. | $40,508-$61,435 | |||
Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management. | $40,508-$61,435 | |||
Accounting. | $53,818 | |||
Finance, General. | $41,758 | |||
Hospitality Administration/Management, General. | - | |||
Marketing/Marketing Management, General. | $42,038 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering. | - | |||
Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | - | |||
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering. | $60,098 | |||
Mechanical Engineering. | $63,062 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
English Language and Literature, General. | - | |||
Creative Writing. | $33,352 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Psychology, General. | $29,007 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Speech Communication and Rhetoric. | $36,271 | |||
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | $38,513 | |||
Biochemistry. | - | |||
Neuroscience. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Criminology. | - | |||
International Relations and Affairs. | - | |||
Political Science and Government, General. | - | |||
Sociology, General. | $36,814 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
History, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $83,041 | |||
Information Science/Studies. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Environmental Science. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Chemistry, General. | - | |||
Geology/Earth Science, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mathematics, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Engineering/Industrial Management. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Spanish Language and Literature. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | - |
Wilkes University Schools/Majors Ranking
Under Ranking (2025)
Grad Ranking (2025)
*Rankings have been updated to 2025USNews schools/majors ranking, rankings are for reference only
*numbers in bracket represent rankings change compare to last version
Wilkes University Varsity Athletes
NCAA Division III with football | MEN | WOMEN |
---|---|---|
Football | 109 | - |
Soccer | 32 | 34 |
Lacrosse | 31 | 22 |
Ice Hockey | 28 | 19 |
Baseball | 35 | - |
Wrestling | 35 | - |
Basketball | 17 | 16 |
Volleyball | 14 | 17 |
Softball | - | 21 |
Golf | 12 | 5 |
Cross Country | 7 | 10 |
Field Hockey | - | 16 |
Tennis | 8 | 6 |
Swimming | 7 | 1 |
NCAA Division III with football | MEN | WOMEN |
---|---|---|
Football | 120 | - |
Soccer | 39 | 34 |
Lacrosse | 41 | 24 |
Ice Hockey | 33 | 18 |
Wrestling | 44 | - |
Baseball | 35 | - |
Basketball | 16 | 17 |
Softball | - | 30 |
Volleyball | 13 | 17 |
Cross Country | 11 | 18 |
Golf | 14 | 11 |
Tennis | 12 | 8 |
Field Hockey | - | 19 |
Swimming | 10 | 4 |
NCAA Division III with football | MEN | WOMEN |
---|---|---|
Football | 118 | - |
Soccer | 38 | 25 |
Lacrosse | 32 | 21 |
Ice Hockey | 30 | 20 |
Wrestling | 35 | - |
Baseball | 34 | - |
Basketball | 18 | 16 |
Softball | - | 27 |
Volleyball | 13 | 14 |
Swimming | 15 | 9 |
Golf | 13 | 9 |
Track and Field, X-Country | 12 | 10 |
Tennis | 11 | 9 |
Field Hockey | - | 17 |
Wilkes University, located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, is a private institution known for its commitment to providing a personal and supportive educational experience. The university's mission emphasizes the importance of developing the whole student, providing a solid liberal arts foundation while also focusing on specialized fields of study. With a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including popular areas such as business, education, engineering, and health sciences, Wilkes University prepares its graduates for a competitive job market. The faculty-to-student ratio is notably low, ensuring that students receive individualized attention and mentorship from experienced professors, many of whom have real-world experience in their respective fields.
The campus itself is vibrant and conducive to student life, with various facilities that promote academic, social, and extracurricular activities. The university offers modern learning spaces, libraries, and laboratories equipped with the latest technology, along with recreational facilities for students to enjoy sports and fitness. Wilkes University is also known for its strong community engagement and commitment to social responsibility, encouraging students to participate in service learning and internships that enrich their educational journey. Notably, the university has produced accomplished alumni who have gone on to successful careers in various industries, demonstrating the effectiveness of Wilkes University’s educational programs and the lasting impact it has on its students’ futures.