Widener University
About Widener University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Widener University is a private university in Chester, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia. It offers programs in nursing, engineering, psychology, and business, with strong professional programs in law and social work.
Founded
1821
Location
Chester, Pennsylvania
Students
5,689
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
70.9%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
68.3%
Near national average
Tuition
$55,730
Per year
Avg Net Price
$25,759
After financial aid
SAT Average
1180
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$70,920
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
70.9 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Widener University accepts 70.9% of applicants and doesn't require standardized tests. Focus on your grades and personal statement, and you have a solid chance.
SAT Scores
1180/ 1600
ACT Scores
23/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
68.3% complete their degree within six years
Retention
78.4%
4-Year Grad
55%
6-Year Grad
68%
Teaching Quality
11:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
39.5%
$/Student
$14.6K
Class Size
Medium
While 55% finish in 4 years, 78.4% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$55,730
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$16,530
Books & Supplies
$1,408
Total Cost of Attendance
$70,621
After Financial Aid
$25,759
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$21,200
Receive Grants
32.8%
Take Loans
71.7%
Don't let the $55,730 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $25,759 after financial aid, a 54% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $21,200.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Widener University fund their education.
While in School
32.8%
Get Grants
Free money
71.7%
Take Loans
Must repay
$77,624
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$27,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$286/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $27,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $71K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Widener University.
Gender
61.1%
Female
39%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,951
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
2,738
Graduates
30%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
10%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 61% of the student body. 30% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
2,951
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Doctoral
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Widener University fields 12 varsity teams with 633 student athletes, about 21% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III with football
Conference
MAC
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
633
21% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
63% / 37%
397
Men
236
Women
10
Men's Teams
10
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Widener Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$70,920
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$84K
201 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$37K
48 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$62K
44 grads
4yr Earnings
Mechanical Engineering
$66K
39 grads
1yr Earnings
Health and Medical Administrative Services
—
36 grads
Biology, General
$35K
35 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $63K at six years, $54K at eight, and $71K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Widener University
What is the acceptance rate at Widener University?▾
How much does Widener University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Widener University?▾
How much do Widener University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.