Wilkes University: A Comprehensive Overview

Wilkes University, situated in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, stands as a private institution with a rich history and a commitment to preparing students for lifelong success. Since its founding in 1933, the university has evolved from a junior college to a comprehensive university offering a wide array of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degree programs. This article delves into the various aspects of Wilkes University, including its history, academics, campus life, and more.

A Legacy of Growth and Transformation

Established in 1933 as Bucknell University Junior College (BUJC), Wilkes University initially served as an extension of Bucknell University. In 1947, it gained independence and was renamed Wilkes College, offering programs in the arts, sciences, and professional fields. The post-war era saw a surge in enrollment, particularly among G.I. Bill recipients from Luzerne County.

The university continued to expand, opening the School of Pharmacy in 1996 and creating the Jay S. Sidhu School of Business & Leadership in 2004. These developments reflected Wilkes University's commitment to adapting to the changing needs of its students and the broader community.

Academics: A Foundation for Success

Wilkes University offers a diverse range of academic programs across various disciplines. Students can choose from over 45 majors, with popular options including liberal arts and humanities, mechanical engineering, and digital communication and media/multimedia. The university also provides online courses, certificate programs, and associate and bachelor's programs for students seeking flexible learning options.

The faculty at Wilkes University are highly regarded, with 90% of students agreeing that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes. Professors are mentors, supporters, and advocates who work alongside students in research and help them define their career paths. The university emphasizes hands-on opportunities, particularly in fields like pharmacy and engineering.

Accreditation and Recognition

Wilkes University holds accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), ensuring the quality and integrity of its academic programs. The College of Business and Engineering's programs in Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET). The Nesbitt School of Pharmacy is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, and the Passan School of Nursing's undergraduate baccalaureate program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Wilkes University has consistently been recognized in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colleges rankings. For 2026, Wilkes stands at 318 among 434 national universities. The university also ranks on the list of Top Performers on Social Mobility, which measures how well schools educate and graduate Pell Grant recipients. The Princeton Review includes Wilkes on its list of schools deemed Best in the Mid-Atlantic.

Campus Life: A Close-Knit Community

Wilkes University fosters a welcoming and friendly campus environment. With a student body hailing from diverse backgrounds, the university creates a close-knit and accepting group of peers. Students describe the school as having the “perfect size-not too big [or] overwhelming.” The campus has a “very homey” feel, and “there is always chatter and laughter” to be heard between classes. Students are “driven, focused, and … well-rounded individuals” who consider each other to be abundantly friendly.

Activities and Events

Students at Wilkes University enjoy a vibrant campus life with numerous clubs, activities, and events. On campus, Wilkes students enjoy school events such as casino and bingo nights and “countless clubs and activities, which give the students opportunities to interact and form relationships.” Additionally, students spend their time hiking, working out, playing video games, or just “visiting places around [Wilkes-Barre].” Wilkes University has numerous student-run clubs and organizations that are recognized and funded by the student government. Many of the clubs are athletically focused, representing sports including crew, lacrosse, running, skiing, volleyball, and ultimate Frisbee. Clubs associated with academics and majors represent psychology, sociology, criminology, and pre-pharmacy.

Housing and Facilities

The campus offers seventeen different residence halls and apartment buildings for all levels of students, although some apartments are reserved for upperclassmen. Many residence halls are located in 19th-century mansions that were donated to the university, or other houses purchased by the university. Apartment-style residences are found in University Towers and Rifkin Hall. Non-apartment residence halls include Catlin Hall, Doane Hall, Evans Hall, Fortinsky Halls, Michelini Hall, Passan Hall, Ross Hall, Roth Hall, Schiowitz Hall, Sterling Hall, Sturdevant Hall, Sullivan Hall, University Towers, Waller Halls (North and South), and Weiss Hall.

Read also: Preserve Your Wilkes Diploma

The Frank M. and Dorothea Henry Student Center (HSC) is the student center on campus. The HSC was originally built in 1999 and has continued to serve the students through the present day. The building is home to most of the student organizations on campus, as well as the dining facilities that are run by Sodexo Incorporated and a campus bookstore run by Barnes and Noble.

Safety and Location

Wilkes University is located in historic downtown Wilkes-Barre, PA. While some note that the surrounding city has room for improvement, one student reassures, “I feel completely safe no matter what time of day due to the way the university takes precautions.” The university is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its students.

Athletics: Colonel Pride

The Wilkes University Colonels compete in NCAA Division III athletics and are members of the Landmark Conference. Wilkes offers numerous intercollegiate sports team organizations at the university. Wilkes men's intercollegiate sports teams include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis, and wrestling. Wilkes women's intercollegiate sports teams include basketball, cross country, field hockey, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track & field, and volleyball.

Admissions and Financial Aid

Wilkes University has a rolling admissions policy and an acceptance rate of 91%. The university is committed to working with students and their families to make a Wilkes education a reality. Wilkes offers generous scholarships, and 98% of first-time, full-time first-year students are awarded financial aid. The average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid is $17,821 per year.

Student Media

Wilkes has an active student media, including a television station within the Karambelas Media and Communications Center, FM radio station WCLH (call letters stand for Wilkes College Listens Here), weekly newspaper The Beacon, a literary magazine Manuscript, and yearbook Amnicola.

Read also: Your Potential at Wilkes

A Place to Thrive

Wilkes University offers a supportive and challenging environment where students can pursue their passions and prepare for successful futures. The university's commitment to academic excellence, personalized attention, and a vibrant campus life makes it a haven for those seeking a transformative college experience. Whether you're the first in your family to go to college, you're already set on a career path, or you're still figuring it out, Wilkes has a wealth of resources and opportunities to get you to where you want to go.

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