King's College

With a negative ROI score, prospective students should carefully consider the median earnings and debt levels in relation to the cost of attendance.

The high admission rate of 93.1% suggests that King's College is not highly selective, which may imply a less academically rigorous environment compared to more competitive institutions.

Compared to other private institutions in Pennsylvania, King's College has a lower graduation rate and a less favorable ROI, though its affordability score is moderate.

The median earnings 10 years after entry are $59,498, indicating moderate success in the job market, but specific career path data would provide more insight.

While in-state tuition is the same as out-of-state, the overall value proposition needs to be assessed against the graduation rate and median earnings, especially given the ROI score.

King's College has a high admission rate of 93.1%, indicating it is not highly selective. This suggests that most applicants who meet the basic academic requirements are likely to be admitted. While the college does not publish specific GPA or standardized test score ranges for admitted students, a strong high school record, including a solid GPA and challenging coursework, will always strengthen an application. For students whose academic profiles are on the lower end, demonstrating genuine interest through a well-written essay, strong letters of recommendation, and participation in extracurricular activities can be beneficial. The high acceptance rate means that the admissions process is likely focused on ensuring students are prepared for college-level work rather than filtering for academic elite. Prospective students should focus on presenting a well-rounded application that showcases their potential for success within the King's College community.

The financial value of King's College is a significant consideration. With an annual tuition of $44,100 and a median 10-year earning potential of $59,498, the immediate financial return is modest. The median debt of $27,000 suggests a payoff period of roughly 5-7 years, depending on repayment plans and lifestyle. The negative ROI score of -66 highlights that, on average, graduates do not see a substantial financial return that significantly outweighs the cost of their education within a typical timeframe. This valuation is particularly concerning when compared to public universities or more selective private institutions that often yield higher earning potentials. King's College may offer good value for students who receive substantial financial aid or scholarships, or for those who are highly confident in leveraging the college's network for specific, well-compensated regional careers. However, for the average student prioritizing maximum financial return on investment, King's College may not be the most cost-effective choice.

While King's College offers a range of programs, certain majors tend to align well with regional job market demands and historical graduate success. The Business Administration program, with specializations in areas like Accounting and Finance, is often a strong choice, feeding into the robust financial services sector in Pennsylvania. The Nursing program is particularly noteworthy, given the significant presence of healthcare systems like Geisinger in the region, which actively recruit King's graduates. Education majors also find consistent opportunities within local school districts. For students interested in technology, Computer Science and Information Technology programs can lead to roles in regional IT firms and larger companies with a presence in the state. While specific program outcomes vary, focusing on majors with direct ties to strong regional industries like healthcare, business, and education generally offers the most predictable career pathways post-graduation.

Student life at King's College is characterized by its close-knit community atmosphere, typical of a smaller private institution. The campus culture emphasizes a balance between academic rigor and extracurricular engagement. Students can participate in a variety of clubs and organizations, including academic societies, cultural groups, and service-oriented initiatives, reflecting the college's Catholic and Holy Cross traditions. Athletics play a significant role, with numerous NCAA Division III sports teams providing opportunities for both participation and spectating. Social events, campus ministry activities, and intramural sports contribute to a vibrant, albeit perhaps less sprawling, social scene compared to larger universities. The relatively small student body fosters a sense of familiarity and camaraderie, where students often know each other across different majors and years. This environment is conducive to building strong personal relationships and a supportive campus community.

King's College provides a significant amount of financial aid to its students, aiming to make its private education more accessible. According to available data, a high percentage of students, often around 98-100%, receive some form of financial aid. This aid typically includes a combination of institutional scholarships, grants, federal aid (like Pell Grants and federal loans), and state grants. The average institutional aid package can be substantial, helping to offset the high sticker price of tuition. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and the CSS Profile (if required) to determine their eligibility for need-based aid. Merit-based scholarships are also available for academically strong students. While the average debt upon graduation is around $27,000, the extensive aid offerings suggest that many students receive packages that significantly reduce their out-of-pocket costs and overall loan burden.

The median salary for King's College graduates 10 years after entering is reported as $59,498. This figure represents a broad average across all majors and career paths. Graduates entering high-demand fields like Nursing or specialized areas within Business (e.g., Finance, Accounting) may see starting salaries in the $50,000-$70,000 range, with potential for growth. For instance, entry-level nursing positions in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area often start around $60,000-$65,000. Business graduates might start in the $45,000-$60,000 range depending on the specific role and employer. Graduates pursuing roles in education might start in the low $40,000s, depending on the school district's salary schedule. Those entering fields with less regional demand or pursuing further education may have different earning trajectories. It's important to note that these are median figures, and individual salaries can vary significantly based on major, internship experience, networking, geographic location of employment, and postgraduate education.

King's College offers a range of on-campus housing options designed to accommodate its student population. Traditional dormitory-style living is available in residence halls such as D'Amico Hall, Consedine Hall, and the newly constructed Northwest Hall, which often house first-year students. These halls typically provide double-occupancy rooms with shared common bathrooms on each floor. Upper-division students may have options for suite-style living or apartment-style residences, offering more independence and amenities. All residence halls are generally equipped with basic furnishings, laundry facilities, and common areas for studying and socializing. The college emphasizes creating a safe and supportive living environment, with Resident Assistants (RAs) available on each floor to assist students. While specific room configurations and amenities can vary, the overall dorm experience at King's is geared towards fostering community and providing a convenient living situation for students.

King's College provides undergraduate research opportunities, particularly within its science and health-related programs. While it may not offer the extensive research infrastructure of a large R1 university, students have the chance to engage in faculty-led research projects. Departments like Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology often involve students in ongoing studies, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in data collection, analysis, and presentation. The college encourages students to present their findings at undergraduate research symposia and sometimes at regional or national conferences. For students interested in pursuing graduate studies, particularly in STEM fields, these research experiences can be invaluable for strengthening their applications. While research is not the primary focus for all programs, King's College does offer avenues for motivated students to participate in scholarly inquiry under faculty guidance.

King's College is often compared to other private, Catholic/Holy Cross-affiliated liberal arts colleges in Pennsylvania, such as the University of Scranton, Wilkes University, and Marywood University. Compared to these peers, King's College shares a similar mission and focus on undergraduate education within a supportive, faith-based environment. Its admission rate is relatively high, similar to Wilkes University, while the University of Scranton tends to be slightly more selective. In terms of academic offerings, all these institutions provide strong programs in business, education, and health sciences. However, King's College's median graduate earnings ($59,498) are generally lower than those reported by the University of Scranton, which often boasts higher post-graduation income potential. Wilkes University and Marywood University fall into a similar earnings bracket. King's College's primary advantage lies in its potentially more intimate campus feel and strong regional network, while its disadvantage is often perceived as a less robust return on investment compared to some peers, particularly Scranton.

Employers generally view a degree from King's College positively, particularly within the Northeastern Pennsylvania region. The college has a long-standing reputation for producing well-prepared graduates, especially in fields like nursing, business, and education, which are key sectors in the local economy. Companies like Geisinger Health System and various regional school districts actively recruit King's graduates, indicating a level of trust in the quality of education and preparedness of alumni. The emphasis on a liberal arts foundation, combined with practical skills development, is often appreciated by employers seeking well-rounded individuals. While King's College may not have the widespread name recognition of larger, more selective universities in major metropolitan areas, its established presence and alumni network in its geographic vicinity lend credibility to its degrees. Employers value the work ethic and community-oriented values often instilled in King's graduates.