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Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Wilkes-Barre : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About Pennsylvania State University

Set on a former country estate, Penn State Wilkes-Barre blends quiet hills with the reach of a large university. It has a reputation for strong teaching across STEM, business, and the liberal arts, with a practical, get-it-done style. Students tap into well-kept labs, a bright library, study lounges, and an on-campus observatory known for public stargazing nights. Academic advising, tutoring, counseling, and career services are easy to find and actually used.

Campus life is low key and friendly, the kind where people nod hello and clubs pull in commuters and nearby residents alike. Intramurals, leadership groups, and plenty of outdoor options keep things moving, and the Back Mountain setting puts lakes and trails within easy reach. The local community offers internships, service projects, and part-time jobs, while the wider Penn State network adds mentoring and connections. Many students start here then continue at another Penn State campus, but plenty stay to finish. The vibe is grounded, welcoming, and proud of its small-campus character.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location: 44 University Drive, Dallas, Pennsylvania, 18627, USA
Unit ID: 214643

Academic & Institutional

Control: Public institution (funded by state or local government)
Accreditation: MSCHE
Length of Study: Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System: Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels: Associate's, Bachelor's
Carnegie Classification: Not available
Campus Setting: Located in a fringe rural area (within 5 miles of urban area)
Tuition: In-state: $14,258 (Tuition $13,824 + Fee $434) · Out-of-state: $23,750 (Tuition $23,316 + Fee $434)
Student Profile:
Total Students: 353
Undergraduate: 338
Graduate/Other: 15
Male: 223 Female: 130
Applications:
Total Applicants: 640
Admitted: 605
Enrolled: 90
Acceptance: 94.5% Yield: 14.9%
Staff:
Total: 90 Full-time: 77 Part-time: 13

Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects

Explore degree programs offered at Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Wilkes-Barre with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Pennsylvania. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.

How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in Pennsylvania vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Engineering (2)
Engineering Sciences and Applied Technology Solutions
14.1001 Electrical and Electronics Engineering. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of electrical and electronic systems and their components, including electrical power generation systems; and the analysis of problems such as superconductor, wave propagation, energy storage and retrieval, and reception and amplification.

Graduate Career Earnings in Pennsylvania

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Pennsylvania Avg PA vs US
11-9041 Architectural and Engineering Managers $175,710 $145,450 -$30,260 (-17.2%)
17-2011 Aerospace Engineers $141,180 $117,970 -$23,210 (-16.4%)
17-2061 Computer Hardware Engineers $156,770 $126,620 -$30,150 (-19.2%)
17-2071 Electrical Engineers $120,980 $103,020 -$17,960 (-14.8%)
17-2072 Electronics Engineers, Except Computer $132,500 $105,060 -$27,440 (-20.7%)
25-1032 Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $119,340 $105,620 -$13,720 (-11.5%)
14.3801 Surveying Engineering. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to apply scientific and mathematical principles to the determination of the location, elevations, and alignment of natural and manmade topographic features. Includes instruction in property line location, surveying, surface measurement, aerial and terrestrial photogrammetry, remote sensing, satellite imagery, global positioning systems, computer applications, and photographic data processing.

Graduate Career Earnings in Pennsylvania

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Pennsylvania Avg PA vs US
11-9041 Architectural and Engineering Managers $175,710 $145,450 -$30,260 (-17.2%)
17-1021 Cartographers and Photogrammetrists $82,860 $75,040 -$7,820 (-9.4%)
17-1022 Surveyors $76,730 $78,690 +$1,960 (+2.6%)
17-2199 Engineers, All Other $121,720 $93,400 -$28,320 (-23.3%)
25-1032 Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $119,340 $105,620 -$13,720 (-11.5%)
Business (6)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
52.0101 Business/Commerce, General. (Cert<2y, Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the general study of business, including the processes of interchanging goods and services (buying, selling and producing), business organization, and accounting as used in profit-making and nonprofit public and private institutions and agencies. The programs may prepare individuals to apply business principles and techniques in various occupational settings.

Graduate Career Earnings in Pennsylvania

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Pennsylvania Avg PA vs US
11-1011 Chief Executives $262,930 $199,750 -$63,180 (-24%)
11-1021 General and Operations Managers $133,120 $104,580 -$28,540 (-21.4%)
11-2022 Sales Managers $160,930 $129,120 -$31,810 (-19.8%)
11-3012 Administrative Services Managers $126,030 $83,720 -$42,310 (-33.6%)
11-3013 Facilities Managers $114,520 $98,160 -$16,360 (-14.3%)
11-3051 Industrial Production Managers $129,180 $114,220 -$14,960 (-11.6%)
11-3071 Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $116,010 $103,060 -$12,950 (-11.2%)
11-9021 Construction Managers $119,660 $110,750 -$8,910 (-7.4%)
11-9072 Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling $87,060 $72,010 -$15,050 (-17.3%)
11-9151 Social and Community Service Managers $86,100 $76,300 -$9,800 (-11.4%)
11-9179 Personal Service Managers, All Other $70,620 N/A N/A
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $121,250 -$28,640 (-19.1%)
13-1051 Cost Estimators $83,160 $73,040 -$10,120 (-12.2%)
13-1082 Project Management Specialists $108,100 $89,870 -$18,230 (-16.9%)
13-1111 Management Analysts $114,710 $79,380 -$35,330 (-30.8%)
13-2022 Appraisers of Personal and Business Property N/A N/A N/A
25-1011 Business Teachers, Postsecondary $113,840 $118,490 +$4,650 (+4.1%)
52.0501 Business/Corporate Communications, General. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to function in an organization as a composer, editor, and proofreader of business or business-related communications.

Graduate Career Earnings in Pennsylvania

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Pennsylvania Avg PA vs US
11-2032 Public Relations Managers $163,520 N/A N/A
25-1011 Business Teachers, Postsecondary $113,840 $118,490 +$4,650 (+4.1%)
25-1122 Communications Teachers, Postsecondary $90,340 $84,250 -$6,090 (-6.7%)
27-3031 Public Relations Specialists $80,310 $57,260 -$23,050 (-28.7%)
27-3041 Editors $85,700 $53,240 -$32,460 (-37.9%)
27-3042 Technical Writers $92,330 $75,910 -$16,420 (-17.8%)
27-3043 Writers and Authors $85,780 $57,560 -$28,220 (-32.9%)
43-9081 Proofreaders and Copy Markers $52,730 $44,190 -$8,540 (-16.2%)
52.1003 Organizational Behavior Studies. (Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the behavior and motivations of individuals functioning in organized groups, and its application to business and industrial settings. Includes instruction in organization theory, industrial and organizational psychology, social psychology, sociology of organizations, reinforcement and incentive theory, employee relations strategies, organizational power and influence, organization stratification and hierarchy, leadership styles, and applications of operations research and other methodologies to organizational analysis.

Graduate Career Earnings in Pennsylvania

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Pennsylvania Avg PA vs US
11-3111 Compensation and Benefits Managers $156,230 $147,890 -$8,340 (-5.3%)
11-3121 Human Resources Managers $160,480 $124,950 -$35,530 (-22.1%)
11-3131 Training and Development Managers $140,590 $121,470 -$19,120 (-13.6%)
13-1071 Human Resources Specialists $79,730 $66,990 -$12,740 (-16%)
25-1011 Business Teachers, Postsecondary $113,840 $118,490 +$4,650 (+4.1%)
52.1299 Management Information Systems and Services, Other. (AltPostMSc)
Any program in business information and data processing services not listed above.

Graduate Career Earnings in Pennsylvania

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Pennsylvania Avg PA vs US
11-3021 Computer and Information Systems Managers $187,990 $136,940 -$51,050 (-27.2%)
25-1021 Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $105,830 $114,210 +$8,380 (+7.9%)
52.1399 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Other. (Cert2y+)
Any instructional program in business quantitative methods and management science not listed above.

Graduate Career Earnings in Pennsylvania

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Pennsylvania Avg PA vs US
99-9999 NO MATCH N/A N/A N/A
Computer & IT (2)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
11.0401 Information Science/Studies. (Cert<2y, Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the theory, organization, and process of information collection, transmission, and utilization in traditional and electronic forms. Includes instruction in information classification and organization; information storage and processing; transmission, transfer, and signaling; communications and networking; systems planning and design; human interfacing and use analysis; database development; information policy analysis; and related aspects of hardware, software, economics, social factors, and capacity.

Graduate Career Earnings in Pennsylvania

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Pennsylvania Avg PA vs US
11-3021 Computer and Information Systems Managers $187,990 $136,940 -$51,050 (-27.2%)
15-1221 Computer and Information Research Scientists $152,310 $134,980 -$17,330 (-11.4%)
15-1243 Database Architects $142,620 $120,580 -$22,040 (-15.5%)
15-1252 Software Developers $144,570 $99,780 -$44,790 (-31%)
15-1255 Web and Digital Interface Designers $111,450 $77,160 -$34,290 (-30.8%)
15-1299 Computer Occupations, All Other $116,700 $79,820 -$36,880 (-31.6%)
25-1021 Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $105,830 $114,210 +$8,380 (+7.9%)
Eng. Technologies (1)
Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support
15.1102 Surveying Technology/Surveying. (Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the delineation, determination, planning and positioning of land tracts, land and water boundaries, land contours and features; and the preparation of related maps, charts and reports. Includes instruction in applied geodesy, computer graphics, photointerpretation, plane and geodetic surveying, mensuration, traversing, survey equipment operation and maintenance, instrument calibration, and basic cartography.

Graduate Career Earnings in Pennsylvania

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Pennsylvania Avg PA vs US
17-1021 Cartographers and Photogrammetrists $82,860 $75,040 -$7,820 (-9.4%)
17-1022 Surveyors $76,730 $78,690 +$1,960 (+2.6%)
17-3019 Drafters, All Other $66,530 $65,060 -$1,470 (-2.2%)
17-3031 Surveying and Mapping Technicians $56,890 $48,970 -$7,920 (-13.9%)
Security & Safety (3)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
43.0103 Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to apply theories and practices of organization management and criminal justice to the administration of public law enforcement agencies and operations. Includes instruction in law enforcement history and theory, operational command leadership, administration of public police organizations, labor relations, incident response strategies, legal and regulatory responsibilities, budgeting, public relations, and organizational leadership.

Graduate Career Earnings in Pennsylvania

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Pennsylvania Avg PA vs US
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $121,250 -$28,640 (-19.1%)
25-1111 Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary $84,820 $91,340 +$6,520 (+7.7%)
33-1012 First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $110,990 $85,670 -$25,320 (-22.8%)
43.0104 Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. (Cert<2y, Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the criminal justice system, its organizational components and processes, and its legal and public policy contexts. Includes instruction in criminal law and policy, police and correctional systems organization, the administration of justice and the judiciary, and public attitudes regarding criminal justice issues.

Graduate Career Earnings in Pennsylvania

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Pennsylvania Avg PA vs US
19-4099 Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $64,640 $52,680 -$11,960 (-18.5%)
25-1111 Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary $84,820 $91,340 +$6,520 (+7.7%)
33-1011 First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers $82,260 $93,140 +$10,880 (+13.2%)
33-1012 First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $110,990 $85,670 -$25,320 (-22.8%)
Health (1)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
51.2399 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions, Other. (Cert2y+)
Any instructional program in rehabilitation and therapeutic professions not listed above.

Graduate Career Earnings in Pennsylvania

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Pennsylvania Avg PA vs US
25-1071 Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $137,900 $142,220 +$4,320 (+3.1%)
29-1129 Therapists, All Other $73,800 $59,870 -$13,930 (-18.9%)
Education (1)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
13.1401 Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor. (BSc)
A program that focuses on the principles and practice of teaching English to students who are not proficient in English or who do not speak, read or write English, and that may prepare individuals to function as teachers and administrators in such programs.

Graduate Career Earnings in Pennsylvania

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Pennsylvania Avg PA vs US
25-2011 Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $41,450 $35,030 -$6,420 (-15.5%)
25-2012 Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $67,020 $67,380 +$360 (+0.5%)
25-2021 Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $69,790 $69,250 -$540 (-0.8%)
25-2022 Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $70,040 $66,980 -$3,060 (-4.4%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $73,170 -$530 (-0.7%)
25-3011 Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors $64,660 $82,120 +$17,460 (+27%)
English (1)
English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis
23.0101 English Language and Literature, General. (Cert2y+)
A general program that focuses on the English language, including its history, structure and related communications skills; and the literature and culture of English-speaking peoples.

Graduate Career Earnings in Pennsylvania

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Pennsylvania Avg PA vs US
25-1123 English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $90,400 $88,880 -$1,520 (-1.7%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $73,170 -$530 (-0.7%)
43-9081 Proofreaders and Copy Markers $52,730 $44,190 -$8,540 (-16.2%)
Interdisciplinary (1)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
30.0101 Biological and Physical Sciences. (Cert2y+)
A program that is either a general synthesis of one or more of the biological and physical sciences, or a specialization which draws from the biological and physical sciences.

Graduate Career Earnings in Pennsylvania

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Pennsylvania Avg PA vs US
11-9121 Natural Sciences Managers $173,500 $98,460 -$75,040 (-43.3%)
25-1199 Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $94,470 $71,860 -$22,610 (-23.9%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $73,170 -$530 (-0.7%)
Communication (1)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
09.0101 Speech Communication and Rhetoric. (Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the scientific, humanistic, and critical study of human communication in a variety of formats, media, and contexts. Includes instruction in the theory and practice of interpersonal, group, organizational, professional, and intercultural communication; speaking and listening; verbal and nonverbal interaction; rhetorical theory and criticism; performance studies; argumentation and persuasion; technologically mediated communication; popular culture; and various contextual applications.

Graduate Career Earnings in Pennsylvania

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Pennsylvania Avg PA vs US
11-2032 Public Relations Managers $163,520 N/A N/A
25-1122 Communications Teachers, Postsecondary $90,340 $84,250 -$6,090 (-6.7%)
27-3011 Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys $80,110 $39,190 -$40,920 (-51.1%)
27-3031 Public Relations Specialists $80,310 $57,260 -$23,050 (-28.7%)
27-3043 Writers and Authors $85,780 $57,560 -$28,220 (-32.9%)
27-3099 Media and Communication Workers, All Other $84,870 $69,220 -$15,650 (-18.4%)

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$16,098
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$25,590
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$14,258
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$23,750
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$13,448 (off-campus)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,840
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$4,788 (off-campus)
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$4,104
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$23,758
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$30,470
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

35%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$8,945
Avg. Loan
$6,650
Avg. Federal Loan
$5,048
Additional
Students with Any Grant
116
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
76
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
55
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$4,675
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

17%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
79%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$40,301 – $93,790
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$40,301 (25th %) $93,790 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $63,435
Median Salary After 6 Years
$55,620
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$63,435
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
67.9%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
79.3%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$25,000
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 52.1%
Middle 66.5%
High 80.0%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 71.5%
Independent 50.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Wilkes-Barre

How much does it cost to attend Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Wilkes-Barre?

The annual tuition at Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Wilkes-Barre is $14,258 for in-state students and $23,750 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $16,098 for in-state students and $25,590 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $13,448 (off-campus) and books and supplies $1,840.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Wilkes-Barre offer?

Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Wilkes-Barre offers 26 academic programs across 13 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Associate's, Bachelor's.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (6 programs)
  • Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety (3 programs)
  • Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (2 programs)
  • Engineering Sciences and Applied Technology Solutions (2 programs)
  • Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations (1 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Wilkes-Barre?

Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Wilkes-Barre has an 94.5% acceptance rate and a 14.9% yield rate, making it moderately selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 640
  • Students admitted: 605
  • Students enrolled: 90

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Wilkes-Barre?

Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Wilkes-Barre provides financial aid to 35% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $8,945 and average loans of $6,650.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,175
  • State/Local grants: $4,397
  • Institutional grants: $4,675
  • Federal loans: $5,048

The university supports 116 students with grants and 76 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Wilkes-Barre graduates?

Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Wilkes-Barre graduates earn a median salary of $55,620 after 6 years and $63,435 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $40,301 (25th percentile) to $93,790 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $94,200 (90th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

Campus map for Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Scranton
Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Scranton
120 Ridge View Drive, Dunmore, PA 18512-1602
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Campus map for Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Lehigh Valley
Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Lehigh Valley
2809 Saucon Valley Road, Center Valley, PA 18034-8447
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Campus map for Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Altoona
Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Altoona
3000 Ivyside Park, Altoona, PA 16601-3777
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