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Engineering at Wilkes University

Wilkes-Barre, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Engineering, General
48 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
49
Optimistic
48
Base Case
45
Pessimistic
Earnings $74,654/yr (8% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Medium (27,900 openings/yr)
ROI 4.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #41 of 47 Engineering, General programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Engineering graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $742K $720K $639K
Earnings Multiple 4.4x 4.3x 3.8x
Probability of Field Employment 69% 63% 47%
DegreeOutlook Score 49 48 45

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$169,144
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$110,800
34% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,662
4.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$70,860
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

Program Analysis

At $74,654 per year, Engineering graduates from Wilkes University earn slightly above the $69,222 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

At 4.3x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $25,662 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #41 ranking among 47 Engineering programs places Wilkes University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Wilkes University

With 91% of applicants admitted, Wilkes University prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 1,893 students in Wilkes-Barre, PA. The average net cost of $110,800 over four years represents a 34% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Wilkes University →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Engineers, all other $117,750/yr
Engineering teachers, postsecondary $106,120/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 47 schools offering Engineering →

Engineering at Other Schools

Franklin W Olin College of Engineering ($109,455) Harvey Mudd College ($92,491) Brown University ($86,416) University of California-Davis ($82,956) Wentworth Institute of Technology ($78,211) Lafayette College ($76,507) McNeese State University ($75,566) Michigan State University ($75,058)

Other Majors at Wilkes University

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($83,041) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($77,226) Mechanical Engineering ($63,062) Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering ($60,098) Accounting and Related Services ($53,818) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($45,853) Education, General ($45,273) Marketing ($42,038)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Engineering trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 48/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Engineering at Wilkes University?
At 48/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Engineering programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Engineering at Wilkes University?
The 46% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →