Wilson College provides meaningful access to higher education for first-generation and low-income students through substantial financial aid that makes attendance affordable.
While earnings outcomes are modest, the college serves students who value a small, supportive environment with personalized attention and manageable debt levels.
Wilson College is a small private nonprofit institution in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, serving about 266 students who receive Pell Grants and 43% who are first-generation college students. The college provides a personalized educational experience with strong financial aid support, particularly for families earning less than $75,000 annually.
However, Wilson College faces challenges in long-term financial outcomes for graduates. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $43,326, which places the institution in the bottom third nationally for earnings performance. The college's graduates earn significantly less than what similar students achieve at other institutions, creating a gap that families should consider when evaluating the return on their educational investment.
As an "Opportunity Builders" institution, Wilson College provides meaningful access to higher education for students who might not otherwise attend college, particularly first-generation and transfer students. While the financial outcomes are modest, the college serves an important role in providing educational opportunities in south-central Pennsylvania for students seeking a small college experience with substantial financial aid support.
Wilson College's program offerings appear quite limited based on available data, with only one major program track visible that graduates about 35 students annually. These graduates earn a median of $32,391 ten years after graduation, which reflects the modest earnings outcomes that characterize the institution overall.
The narrow program focus may limit students' career flexibility and networking opportunities compared to institutions with broader academic offerings. For students considering Wilson College, the limited program diversity suggests they should be confident in their academic interests and career goals, as opportunities to explore different fields may be constrained.
The small scale of individual programs means that students receive personalized attention from faculty, but it also means fewer alumni networks and potentially less employer recognition in regional job markets. Prospective students should carefully consider whether the available programs align with their career aspirations and whether the modest earnings outcomes are acceptable given their educational and financial goals.
Wilson College graduates face modest long-term earnings outcomes that require careful family consideration. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $43,326, which places the institution well below national averages for both private colleges and four-year institutions generally. More concerning, graduates earn significantly less than similar students at other institutions, suggesting that the college struggles to provide the earnings boost that families typically expect from higher education.
The college's program offerings appear limited, with available data showing only one major program track that produces 35 graduates annually with median earnings of $32,391 ten years out. This narrow program focus may limit career flexibility for students, and the earnings levels suggest that graduates often enter fields with more modest compensation structures. The small scale of the institution means fewer networking opportunities and potentially less employer recognition compared to larger institutions.
For families considering Wilson College, the financial return on investment presents challenges. While the college provides access to higher education, the earnings outcomes suggest that graduates may struggle to justify the cost of attendance through improved lifetime earnings, particularly when compared to alternatives that might provide stronger financial returns.
Wilson College demonstrates strong affordability for low- and middle-income families through substantial financial aid. Low-income students pay an average net price of $14,381 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $17,122 per year. These figures represent significant discounts from the sticker price and make the college accessible to families who might not otherwise afford private higher education.
High-income families face higher net prices averaging $28,575 annually, reflecting the college's aid strategy of supporting students with the greatest financial need. Most students who borrow take on federal student loans averaging $26,328, while families using Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $18,915. The federal loan default rate is 0%, indicating that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully despite the modest earnings outcomes.
The college's loan repayment patterns show that borrowers make steady progress on their debt, with about 7% paying off some balance by year four. While this pace is not exceptional, it reflects the reality that graduates with modest earnings need time to build their repayment capacity. The combination of reasonable debt levels and zero default rates suggests that most families can manage the financial obligations, even if the payoff timeline is extended.
Wilson College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
