Wilkes University vs Waynesburg University: which has better ROI?
Waynesburg University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $72,940 in 7.2 years versus 7.4 years at Wilkes University, on median earnings of $58,537 vs $63,454 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Wilkes University | Waynesburg University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $27,743 | $18,235 |
| Total net cost | $110,972 | $72,940 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $63,454 | $58,537 |
| Median debt | $26,000 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 7.4 yrs | 7.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $190,908 | $130,600 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Wilkes University or Waynesburg University?
Waynesburg University, at $18,235 a year after aid versus $27,743 — a gap of $9,508 a year, or $38,032 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Wilkes University or Waynesburg University graduates earn more?
Wilkes University graduates report a median $63,454 ten years after entry, $4,917 more than the $58,537 at Waynesburg University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Wilkes University or Waynesburg University?
Wilkes University: its completers carry a median $26,000 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Waynesburg University, a difference of $1,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
66% of students finish at Waynesburg University, against 63% at Wilkes University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.