Wilson College
Wilson College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Wilson College at a Glance
Wilson College is a private, Presbyterian-related college in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1869 by two Presbyterian ministers, it was named for its first major donor, Sarah Wilson.
1869
157 years old
$77M
$77.2 million (2025)
1,620
45
300 acres
Identity
Is Wilson College Worth It?
At a value score of 25/100, Wilson College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $43,326 — 19% below average — while paying $21,741/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 50% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 92% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
With median debt of $26,328 representing 61% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Wilson College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Wilson College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in PA
Ranked #48 of 107 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #2 | Albizu University-San Juan | 73 | $9,732 | $41,544 |
| #3 | Goshen College | 56 | $14,493 | $51,943 |
| #4 | College of Our Lady of the Elms | 49 | $17,545 | $51,540 |
| #5 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #6 | Oakland City University | 48 | $15,210 | $43,283 |
| #48 | Wilson College | 25 | $21,741 | $43,326 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Wilson College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 8 in PA.
Best Programs at Wilson College
The highest-earning program at Wilson College is Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services at $31,700/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services graduate from Wilson College earns $31,700, while a Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services graduate earns $31,700. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $21,741/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services | $31,700 | $31,700 |
Similar Colleges in PA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Chambersburg, PA
- Student Body
- 865 students
- Admission Rate
- 92%
- Graduation Rate
- 50%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $21,741
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $43,326
- Median Student Debt
- $26,328