Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre
- Graduation Rate
- 19% F
- Lower completion rate than most colleges
- Earnings (10yr)
- $63,435 A-
- Well above the typical college graduate
- Net Price
- $16,448 C
- Close to the national average
- Acceptance Rate
- 97% F
- Accessible to most qualified applicants
Bottom line: A C overall grade — outcomes trail most U.S. colleges. 22.5× return on investment — every $1 spent returns $22.5 over 20 years.
Every $1 spent returns $22.5 over 20 years — debt pays back in ~under a year. Net gain: $1,414,288.
What The Data Says
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A C overall — outcomes trail most U.S. colleges on measured metrics.
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Graduates earn 56% more than the national college median.
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Graduation of 19% — 66% below the national average.
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Every $1 invested returns $22.5 over 20 years — an exceptional return.
About Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre is profiled below with full outcomes data from federal sources.
Interpretation generated from this school's federal outcomes, research, and mobility data.
Institutional Profile
- Institution Type
- Public University
- Enrollment
- 313
- Setting
- Rural
- Primary Strengths
- Engineering, Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, Criminal Justice
Why students choose Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre
CollegeRanker Report Card
Graded on outcomes, against every U.S. college.
Each grade is this school's national percentile on a real outcome — earnings, value, mobility, and more.
How we grade →Admissions
Accessible — admits about 97% of applicants, with a middle-50% SAT of 1090–1330. Run your numbers in the admissions predictor below.
Check your odds →Net price + aid
Students pay about $16,448 a year after grants and scholarships — 4% below the typical U.S. college. See net price by family income below.
See cost & aid →Earnings + debt
Graduates earn a median of $63,435 ten years after enrolling — 56% above the typical college, against $25,000 in median debt.
See outcomes →Mobility + social capital
Mobility and social-capital data are limited for this school — see what's reported below.
See mobility →Overview
With an acceptance rate of 97%, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre is a welcoming option for students seeking a supportive environment. Its relatively small enrollment of 313 means you’re likely to get more personalized attention from faculty. Students here often dive into programs like Engineering, Business & Marketing, and Computer Science, among others. These fields not only align with current job market demands but also encourage hands-on learning.
Looking at outcomes, graduates from Penn State Wilkes-Barre report a median earning of $63,435 a decade after graduation. This figure can help us understand the potential return on investment for students and their families. While the graduation rate sits at 19%, those who do finish often see a boost in their earning power, indicating that persistence pays off in the long run. The affordability factor is also notable; with a net price of about $16,448, it’s a feasible option for many, especially with 39% of students receiving Pell Grants.
When considering the financial aspect, students graduate with a median debt of $25,000. This is a manageable figure when compared to their earning potential. The environment tends to suit those who appreciate a close-knit community and are ready to tackle challenges head-on. If you’re looking for a place that offers a solid foundation for various career paths while being mindful of costs, this could be a good fit.
Rankings
Can I Get In?
How selective Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre is — and how your numbers stack up.
Tool
Will I Be Accepted?
Enter your credentials to see your chances at this school.
Academics & Admissions
Is It Hard to Get Into Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre, located in Dallas, Pennsylvania, admits most of the students who apply; the acceptance rate is roughly 97%. Admitted students typically arrive with an average SAT score near 1,200. The graduation rate is roughly 19%.
- Acceptance Rate
- 97%
- Retention Rate
- 81%
- SAT Average
- 1200
- SAT Range
- 1090–1330
- Full-Time Faculty
- 69%
- Faculty Salary (mo)
- $9,188
- Student–Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Diversity Index
- 0.42
- First-Gen Students
- 29%
- Applicants
- 653
- Admitted
- 622
Can I Afford It?
What you'll actually pay after grants and aid — not the sticker price.
Cost & Financial Aid
How Much Does It Cost to Attend Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre is $24,006, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $16,448. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $9,795 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $25,000 in federal student loans.
- In-State Tuition
- $14,280
- Out-of-State
- $24,006
- Avg Net Price
- $16,448
- Median Debt
- $25,000
- Pell Grant Rate
- 39%
- Federal Loan Rate
- 54%
What Families Actually Pay
- Family Income $0–$30K
- $9,795
- Family Income $30K–$48K
- $11,760
- Family Income $48K–$75K
- $15,570
- Family Income $110K+
- $22,027
What Happens After?
Earnings, debt, and where graduates actually land.
Graduate Outcomes
Is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre earn a median of $63,435, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.
- 6 Years After Entry
- $55,620
- 8 Years
- $60,370
- 10 Years
- $63,435
- Debt-to-Earnings
- 0.39x
- Earning > $25K
- 73%
Earnings Trajectory
Graduation by Timeframe
- 100% (20)
- 15%
- 100% (20)
- 15%
- 100% (20)
- 15%
- 100% (20)
- 15%
How Pennsylvania Compares
Dot right of center = above national average.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.
College ROI Calculator
Is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre Worth It?
A data-driven look at the return on your educational investment — using real federal data.
Yes — for most students, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre delivers a positive return. Over four years, the typical net price is $16,448/year ($65,792 total). Graduates earn $63,435 at ten years, and over a 20-year career we project $1,480,080 in total earnings — a net gain of $1,414,288 (22.5× your investment). The median debt is $25,000, which takes less than a year to pay back at typical earnings. With a 19% graduation rate, the path to that return is well-tested. This is a exceptional ROI compared to national averages.
- Total Cost (4yr)
- $65,792
- Projected 20yr Earnings
- $1,480,080
- Net Return
- $1,414,288
- ROI Multiple
- 22.5×
- Cost Per Year
- $16,448
- Median Debt
- $25,000
- Debt Payback
- Less than 1 yr
- Graduation Rate
- 19%
Does It Change Lives?
Mobility, social capital, and innovation — does it move people up?
Top Programs
The fields Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre awards the most degrees in, by share of completions. Each links to its degree guide — with salary, growth, and the schools with the strongest outcomes.
- Engineering 24%
- Business & Marketing 24%
- Computer Science & IT 20%
- Criminal Justice 10%
- Health Professions 8%
- Humanities 4%
Top Careers
Where these majors tend to lead — common career paths for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre's most popular programs, ranked by median pay with our proprietary scorecard insights.
- CChief Executive Officer$189,520 · 3% growthAdaptable 64
- C+IT Manager$169,510 · 15% growthAdaptable 52
- C+Cloud Architect$142,000 · 15% growthAdaptable 52
- B-Site Reliability Engineer$140,000 · 20% growthAdaptable 52
- CSolutions Architect$138,000 · 12% growthAdaptable 52
- CHR Manager$136,350 · 5% growthAdaptable 64
- CPetroleum Engineer$135,690 · 2% growthResilient 72
- CSales Manager$135,160 · 4% growthAdaptable 64
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Hard to Get Into Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre, located in Dallas, Pennsylvania, admits most of the students who apply; the acceptance rate is roughly 97%. Admitted students typically arrive with an average SAT score near 1,200. The graduation rate is roughly 19%.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre is $24,006, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $16,448. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $9,795 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $25,000 in federal student loans.
Is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre earn a median of $63,435, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.
Similar Schools
Schools with similar outcomes, selectivity, and student profiles to Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre.
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