Wilkes University is a private research institution in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, founded in 1933 and ranked #318 among Best National Universities by US News 2026. The campus enrols nearly 5,545 students across 46 undergraduate majors and 25-plus graduate programmes, with hands-on research access built into most STEM tracks.
Popular Indian-applicant choices at Wilkes span the STEM MBA, MS Electrical Engineering, MS Mechanical Engineering, MS Bioengineering, and MS Nursing, all taught in English. Fall (August) and Spring (January) intakes serve international applicants, with dedicated Intensive English and University Preparatory Program routes for students who need a bridge before degree study. Compared to peers listed among the MS universities in USA, Wilkes prices its graduate seat at the lower end of the private-nonprofit band.
- Ranking: #318 in US News Best National Universities 2026
- Acceptance rate: 94%, official 2024-25 cycle
- Intakes: Fall (August) and Spring (January)
- PG tuition and fees: $20,332 per year (₹19.43 Lakh)
- Average graduate salary: $63,454 (₹60.63 Lakh), market-median figure
- International student share: around 5% of total enrolment
Also Check: MS in USA Guide for Indian Students
Wilkes waives standardised test requirements for most bachelor’s programmes and awards merit scholarships up to $29,000 (₹27.71 Lakh) per year to first-year international applicants. The F-1 visa pathway unlocks 12 months of Optional Practical Training, extendable to 36 months for STEM graduates, giving Indian students working time beyond graduation across most universities in USA.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 95.54 as of August 2026
Admission Status: Open (Spring 2027 intake). International applicants outside the US must submit completed files by 15 November 2026 for January 2027 entry, with Nursing candidates closing earlier on 15 October 2026. The next cycle, for Fall 2027 entry, is expected to open October 2026 on a rolling basis, with the outside-US deadline of 15 June 2027 published by the Office of Global Engagement.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Wilkes University 2027
- Wilkes University Admission 2027
- Wilkes University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Wilkes University Acceptance Rate 2027
- Wilkes University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Wilkes University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Wilkes University Scholarships 2027
- Wilkes University Rankings 2027
- Wilkes University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Wilkes University vs Peer Universities
- Wilkes University FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at Wilkes University 2027
Wilkes University charges credit-based tuition, with international graduate seats priced at $20,332 (₹19.43 Lakh) per year and undergraduate seats at $46,780 (₹44.70 Lakh) per year for 2026-27. Master’s programmes run 30 to 36 credits, so most Indian students complete a two-year MS at roughly $40,000 in tuition; the four-year bachelor’s runs longer and heavier.
Wilkes University Top 10 Postgraduate Programs and Fees 2027
| Program | Annual fee (USD) | Annual fee (INR Lakh) | Entry requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | $20,332 | ₹19.43 Lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); GMAT optional |
| MS Electrical Engineering | $20,332 | ₹19.43 Lakh | Engineering bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Mechanical Engineering | $20,332 | ₹19.43 Lakh | Engineering bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Bioengineering | $20,332 | ₹19.43 Lakh | Engineering or science bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
| MS Engineering Management | $20,332 | ₹19.43 Lakh | Engineering bachelor’s with 55% (recommended); work experience preferred |
| MS Nursing (MSN) | $20,332 | ₹19.43 Lakh | BSN with 60% and active RN licence (recommended) |
| MS Mathematics | $20,332 | ₹19.43 Lakh | Bachelor’s in mathematics with 55% (recommended) |
| MS Educational Development and Strategies | $20,332 | ₹19.43 Lakh | Bachelor’s in education or related field with 55% (recommended) |
| MS International School Leadership | $20,332 | ₹19.43 Lakh | Bachelor’s plus two years teaching experience (recommended) |
| MS Instructional Technology | $20,332 | ₹19.43 Lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
[Source: Wilkes University Office of Global Engagement; Collegedunia programs directory]
Wilkes University Top 5 Undergraduate Programs and Fees 2027
All bachelor’s programmes carry the same annual tuition of $46,780 (₹44.70 Lakh) and typically run 120 credits over four years.
| Program | Annual fee (USD) | Annual fee (INR Lakh) | Entry requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS Nursing | $46,780 | ₹44.70 Lakh | Class 12 with 75% to 85% in PCB (recommended) |
| BA/BS Computer Science | $46,780 | ₹44.70 Lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
| BS Mechanical Engineering | $46,780 | ₹44.70 Lakh | Class 12 with 75% in PCM (recommended) |
| BS Applied and Engineering Sciences | $46,780 | ₹44.70 Lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 80% in PCM (recommended) |
| BS Accounting | $46,780 | ₹44.70 Lakh | Class 12 with 65% to 80% (recommended) |
Insider note: Indian applicants concentrate in Wilkes engineering MS tracks and the STEM MBA because the STEM designation extends OPT to 36 months, materially widening the post-graduation US work window.
Wilkes University Admission 2027
Wilkes admits international students on a rolling basis into Fall (August) and Spring (January), with the outside-US deadline fixed per intake and Nursing candidates on an earlier timeline.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 outside-US application deadline (all programmes except Nursing) | 15 November 2026 | Rolling review; earlier submission lifts scholarship consideration |
| Spring 2027 Nursing application deadline | 15 October 2026 | Programme-specific cutoff for BSN and MSN applicants |
| Fall 2027 outside-US application deadline (all programmes except Nursing) | 15 June 2027 | Applies to Indian applicants applying from India |
| Fall 2027 Nursing application deadline | 15 May 2027 | Programme-specific cutoff for BSN and MSN applicants |
| Credential verification (WES or similar) | Start 6 to 8 weeks before deadline | Course-by-course evaluation required for foreign transcripts |
[Source: Wilkes University International Requirements page]
Planning note: Submit English test scores at least 8 weeks before the deadline; Wilkes issues I-20 documents only after admission plus verified financial proof for one academic year.
Read More: Wilkes University Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Wilkes University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
The Wilkes admissions bar is moderate: strong academics from a recognised Indian board or university, an accepted English test score, and complete financial proof.
Wilkes University Postgraduate Requirements for Indian Applicants
- Academic: Four-year bachelor’s degree with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); three-year Indian bachelor’s may need a course-by-course evaluation
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 79 (writing 5), IELTS 6.0, Duolingo 95, or PTE 50, per the official International Requirements page
- Credential verification: WES or equivalent course-by-course evaluation for all Indian transcripts
- Test scores: GRE and GMAT are optional across most MS and MBA tracks for 2027 intake
Wilkes University Undergraduate Requirements for Indian Applicants
- Academic: Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended); Nursing applicants need PCB with 75% or higher (recommended)
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 60 (writing 4), IELTS 5.5, Duolingo 85, or PTE 42
- Standardised tests: SAT and ACT are optional for most undergraduate majors
Key insight: Wilkes accepts the Duolingo English Test at 95 for graduate and 85 for undergraduate; this at-home test is cheaper and faster than IELTS, and useful when IELTS slots in India are booked out.
Wilkes University Acceptance Rate 2027
Wilkes reports a 94% acceptance rate for its most recent 2024-25 admissions cycle, with 8,014 offers extended against 8,528 applicants. The rate is drawn from the official Common Data Set and represents undergraduate admissions on a rolling basis.
| Year | Acceptance Rate | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | 94% | Steady, broadly open |
| 2023-24 | 80% (estimated) | Broadly open |
[Source: Wilkes University; US News Best Colleges 2026]
The high admit rate reflects Wilkes’s mid-tier private-university positioning, not weak selectivity in specific programmes. Nursing, Pharmacy and the STEM MBA are meaningfully more competitive than the headline number suggests.
Reality check: A 94% acceptance rate at Wilkes is generous for Indian applicants meeting the 55%-in-bachelor’s threshold, but visa officers still expect academic consistency and a clear study plan at the F-1 interview.
Read More: Wilkes University Acceptance Rate
Wilkes University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
The total annual cost of studying at Wilkes University for Indian students runs $38,332 to $67,674 (₹36.62 Lakh to ₹64.65 Lakh), depending on level. Graduate students pay meaningfully less than undergraduates because credit loads are lighter and on-campus housing is optional.
Wilkes University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
Wilkes publishes International Student Cost of Attendance figures separately for graduate and undergraduate levels for the 2026-27 academic year.
| Level | Tuition and fees (USD) | Tuition and fees (INR Lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (per year) | $46,780 | ₹44.70 Lakh |
| Graduate (per year) | $20,332 | ₹19.43 Lakh |
| Intensive English Program (per year) | $10,400 | ₹9.94 Lakh |
| University Preparatory Program (per year) | $23,390 | ₹22.35 Lakh |
[Source: Wilkes University International Tuition schedule 2026-27]
Monthly Cost of Living in Wilkes-Barre for Indian Students
Wilkes University estimates $17,849 (₹17.05 Lakh) annually for undergraduate living and $15,000 (₹14.33 Lakh) for graduate living; the table below breaks that into monthly heads.
| Head | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR Lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (on-campus or shared apartment) | $700 to $900 | ₹0.67 to ₹0.86 Lakh |
| Food and groceries | $300 to $400 | ₹0.29 to ₹0.38 Lakh |
| Transportation | $80 to $120 | ₹0.08 to ₹0.11 Lakh |
| Books and supplies | $100 to $150 | ₹0.10 to ₹0.14 Lakh |
| Personal and health insurance | $200 to $300 | ₹0.19 to ₹0.29 Lakh |
| Total monthly | $1,380 to $1,870 | ₹1.32 to ₹1.79 Lakh |
| Total annual | $15,000 to $17,849 | ₹14.33 to ₹17.05 Lakh |
[Source: Wilkes University official cost estimate 2026-27]
Insider note: Wilkes-Barre rents run 40% to 50% below Philadelphia and 60% below Manhattan; sharing a two-bedroom apartment off Franklin Street commonly lands under $500 per person per month.
Read More: Study in USA Guide for Indian Students
Wilkes University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
Wilkes occupies a 34-acre urban campus in downtown Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, roughly two hours by road from New York City and Philadelphia, with intercity bus links from campus.
- Location: Downtown Wilkes-Barre, walkable to River Common, shops and Susquehanna riverfront; served by Martz Trailways to NYC and Philly
- Housing: On-campus residence halls guaranteed to first-year international students at $700 to $900 per month; nearby off-campus rentals available for graduates
- Facilities: Nesbitt School of Pharmacy, dedicated engineering research labs, Marts Center athletics complex, and the Sordoni Art Gallery
- Indian student community: An active International Student Association plus a Diwali cultural night on campus each October, coordinated by the Office of Global Engagement
What Indian students say: Peer feedback highlights small class sizes with faculty accessibility outside office hours, a low cost of living relative to coastal US cities, and manageable travel to New York for weekend visits or airport transfers.
Wilkes University Scholarships 2027
Wilkes University offers six named scholarships open to international undergraduates, including one specifically for Indian citizens. Postgraduate scholarships are limited; most funding for graduate seats routes through assistantships within academic departments.
| Scholarship | Type | Award value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Year Merit Scholarship | Merit | $22,000 to $29,000 per year (₹21.02 to ₹27.71 Lakh) | First-year international undergraduates; renewable up to four years | With admission application |
| Jay Sidhu Scholarship | Country-specific merit | $1,000 to $5,000 per year (₹0.96 to ₹4.78 Lakh) | Indian citizens, 3.0+ GPA, first-year on-campus undergraduates | With admission application |
| Global Colonel Award | Merit | $1,000 to $5,000 per year (₹0.96 to ₹4.78 Lakh) | F-1 visa first-year on-campus undergraduates with 3.0+ GPA | With admission application |
| Transfer Merit Scholarship | Merit | $18,000 to $22,000 per year (₹17.20 to ₹21.02 Lakh) | International transfer students entering undergraduate programmes | With admission application |
| #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship | Need cum merit | Half tuition (renewable) | Two annual awards; essay or video on intercultural leadership required | Verify at Wilkes International Scholarships page |
[Source: Wilkes University International Tuition and Scholarships page]
Planning note: The Jay Sidhu Scholarship is exclusive to Indian citizens and stacks with the First-Year Merit award; combined, an Indian first-year can bring tuition under $20,000 (₹19.11 Lakh) per year with strong academics.
Read More: Wilkes University Scholarships Guide
Wilkes University Rankings 2027
Wilkes University’s strongest ranking is #318 in US News Best National Universities 2026, with the rank sliding modestly across the last two cycles from #269 in 2025.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| US News Best National Universities | 2026: #318 (of 434) | 2025: #269 | 2024: #269 |
| US News Top Performers on Social Mobility | 2026: #236 | NA | NA |
| Times Higher Education US College Rankings | 2024: #401-500 band | NA | NA |
| QS World University Rankings | Not ranked in QS 2027 | Not ranked in QS 2026 | Not ranked in QS 2025 |
| Times Higher Education World University Rankings | Not ranked in THE 2026 | Not ranked in THE 2025 | Not ranked in THE 2024 |
[Source: US News, Times Higher Education, QS]
Wilkes does not appear in the QS World University Rankings or the THE World University Rankings, both of which weight research output that a teaching-focused private university with under 6,000 students rarely accumulates. The Social Mobility rank of #236 is meaningful for Indian scholarship applicants because it signals institutional commitment to graduating financially supported students.
Key insight: A US News rank in the 300s carries F-1 visa recognition and employer legitimacy across most Fortune 500 US recruiters, even though Wilkes lacks a QS or THE World presence. Indian applicants targeting OPT-based US careers should weight programme accreditation over global-rank bragging rights.
Read More: Wilkes University Rankings Analysis
Wilkes University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Wilkes graduates cluster in Northeast US healthcare, engineering and pharmacy roles, with post-study earnings comparable to the US national bachelor’s median.
- Average early-career salary: $63,454 (₹60.63 Lakh) for bachelor’s recipients, PayScale market median; MS Engineering and Nursing graduates trend higher
- Ten-year median earnings: $58,200 (₹55.60 Lakh), per federal College Scorecard
- Top hiring sectors: Healthcare and hospital systems, pharmaceutical manufacturers, engineering consulting firms, and regional financial services
- Career services: Dedicated Center for Career Development plus alumni mentoring; F-1 STEM graduates access 36-month OPT for US work rights
- Notable programme outcome: Registered Nursing graduates report the highest starting salary among Wilkes majors at $63,800 (₹60.96 Lakh)
Insider note: Indian STEM master’s graduates from Wilkes typically leverage the 36-month OPT to secure H-1B sponsorship within larger regional employers rather than target Silicon Valley tech giants; the university’s Career Development office runs one-to-one visa timeline sessions each semester.
Wilkes University vs Peer Universities
Wilkes competes directly with mid-tier private universities across Pennsylvania and the wider US Northeast on price, class size, and post-study work access. The peer set below is drawn from same-tier private nonprofits with similar Indian-applicant volumes.
| University | US News NU 2026 | Annual PG Fee (USD / INR Lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilkes University | #318 | $20,332 / ₹19.43 Lakh | STEM MBA plus Indian-citizen scholarship; hands-on engineering labs |
| University of Scranton | #171 | $25,000 / ₹23.89 Lakh (market-median) | Jesuit tradition; strong health sciences and physical therapy tracks |
| Marywood University | #299 | $24,700 / ₹23.60 Lakh (market-median) | Faith-based; performing arts, architecture and social work strengths |
| Widener University | #296 | $28,000 / ₹26.75 Lakh (market-median) | Larger metro presence near Philadelphia; law and business emphasis |
| Misericordia University | NA | $22,500 / ₹21.50 Lakh (market-median) | Ten-mile neighbour; strong occupational and physical therapy |
[Source: US News Best National Universities 2026; university fee schedules]
Wilkes stands out on cost within the Pennsylvania private cluster, undercutting Scranton and Widener by 20% to 30% on annual graduate tuition while offering the STEM MBA that neither Marywood nor Misericordia lists. The Indian-citizen Jay Sidhu Scholarship is a further edge no listed peer replicates.
Insider note: Indian applicants comparing Wilkes with Scranton should map faculty-to-student ratio and STEM-designated programme lists; Wilkes wins on affordability while Scranton wins on brand recognition within US healthcare recruiting.
Wilkes University fits Indian applicants who want a US degree with a total two-year MS investment under $75,000 (₹71.66 Lakh) and a projected early-career salary of $63,454 (₹60.63 Lakh), with the F-1 visa OPT window unlocking US work rights beyond graduation.
It is not the right pick for Indian students chasing top-100 US News ranks or QS World visibility; those applicants should compare Wilkes with larger research universities like Drexel or the Pennsylvania State University system for stronger global signalling.
Wilkes University FAQs
Ques. Does Wilkes University offer online graduate programs for Indian students?
Ans. Yes, Wilkes offers 12 fully online graduate programmes including the MBA, MSN, MS Educational Development and Strategies, and the Doctorate of Nursing Practice. Indian students can complete these degrees from India without an F-1 visa, though online enrolment does not qualify for OPT work rights. The international EdD is priced at $749 per credit for the 2026-27 cohort.
Ques. Can international students work part-time at Wilkes University?
Ans. F-1 visa holders at Wilkes can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during term and up to 40 hours during breaks, subject to available on-campus jobs. Off-campus work requires Curricular Practical Training authorisation after two semesters of enrolment. The Office of Global Engagement processes CPT paperwork and helps match students with campus roles.
Ques. Is a GRE or GMAT required for Wilkes graduate admission?
Ans. No, Wilkes lists GRE and GMAT as optional across nearly all MS and MBA tracks for the 2027 intake. Strong bachelor’s academics, a solid statement of purpose, and English proficiency scores carry more weight than a competitive GRE. Applicants who do have strong scores may still submit them to strengthen scholarship consideration.
Ques. How much is the application fee at Wilkes University for Indian students?
Ans. The undergraduate application fee at Wilkes is waived when candidates apply through the Wilkes online portal directly. Graduate application fees vary by programme but generally run $30 to $50 (₹0.03 to ₹0.05 Lakh). Fee waivers are available on request for applicants demonstrating financial hardship, and the Office of Global Engagement handles Indian applicant queries directly.
Ques. Which Indian education loan lenders finance Wilkes University?
Ans. Wilkes University is on the approved international university list at HDFC Credila, Avanse, Auxilo, ICICI Bank and the State Bank of India Global Ed-Vantage scheme. Loan amounts up to ₹1.5 Crore are common for the four-year BS at ₹44.70 Lakh per year, and secured loans against collateral typically achieve the lowest interest rates for Indian applicants.
Ques. What financial proof does Wilkes require for the I-20 form?
Ans. Wilkes issues the I-20 only after receiving a bank statement or government sponsor letter showing liquid funds for one full academic year, which is $67,674 (₹64.65 Lakh) at undergraduate level and $38,332 (₹36.62 Lakh) at graduate level. Funds must be in the applicant’s name or a first-degree sponsor’s name and not older than three months at submission.
Ques. Can Wilkes waive the English proficiency test for Indian students?
Ans. Yes, Wilkes waives the TOEFL, IELTS or PTE requirement for Indian applicants whose bachelor’s degree was delivered fully in English medium, verified via an official letter from the awarding institution. CBSE, ICSE and IB Class 12 completions with English as first language also qualify for a waiver at undergraduate entry. The Office of Global Engagement issues waiver decisions within two weeks.
Ques. How long does the F-1 visa OPT last for Wilkes STEM graduates?
Ans. Wilkes STEM master’s graduates in Engineering, Bioengineering, Mathematics and Computer Science qualify for the standard 12-month Optional Practical Training plus a 24-month STEM extension, totalling 36 months of US work authorisation. Non-STEM graduates including MBA get 12 months of OPT. The Wilkes STEM MBA is federally designated as STEM, so MBA candidates also access the full 36-month window.
Wilkes University Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M.B.A 1 year | Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake (15th Nov 2026) | USD 24,750 /Yr | 65 | TOEFL- 79 | IELTS- 6 | Duolingo- 95 | PTE- 50 | - |
B.S Nursing 4 years | USD 44,742 /Yr | 40 | TOEFL- 60 | IELTS- 5.5 | Duolingo- 85 | PTE- 42 |
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Overall 269 out of 435 in Global Ranking
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Wilkes University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QS Connect Master’s Scholarship | Scholarship per student$5,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BL Mandhana Scholarships | Scholarship per student$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Go Clean Scholarship | Scholarship per student$3,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Business Administration Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Novus Biological Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$1,500 | Level Of StudyAssociate | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Washington DC Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
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Wilkes University Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.wilkes.edu/admissions/apply-undergraduate.aspx
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Wilkes University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5787 | 2227 | 3560 | 39 |
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