How does Wilkes tuition compare to other private colleges?

I'm looking into Wilkes University and trying to figure out if their tuition is reasonable compared to other private schools. Does anyone have insights on tuition costs and possibly any scholarships that might be available to help?

Comparing tuition fees of different private universities can provide a good benchmark of whether Wilkes University's tuition is competitive. As of the 2024-2025 academic year, the tuition fee for Wilkes University is around $41,518 per year, not including room and board, or personal expenses. This is generally on par with many other small, private institutions. However, tuition can vary considerably depending on the specific private institution, ranging from approximately $20,000 to north of $65,000 per year at some highly-selective ones.

As for scholarships, Wilkes University does indeed offer several merit-based scholarships which can substantially offset these costs. The premium scholarship is the Presidential Scholarship, which offers a sizable annual amount and is renewable for four years. There are also other scholarships such as the Provost Scholarship and the Dean Scholarship to consider.

You should also explore external scholarships outside of those provided directly by Wilkes. Look at local community scholarships, scholarships related to your intended major or field of study, and national awards for which you might be a good fit. It's important to start searching and applying early, as some of these scholarships have deadlines in the fall of your senior year of high school.

Remember to explore need-based financial aid as well. This starts with completing the FAFSA to determine your Student Aid Index (SAI), which colleges use to calculate your financial aid package. Be sure to complete the FAFSA as soon after October 1 in your senior year as possible because some forms of aid are first-come, first-serve.

In short, while the tuition at Wilkes is in line with other similar private colleges, there are several options for reducing your out-of-pocket costs through both merit scholarships and need-based financial aid.