Widener University
Widener University is a private non-profit institution located in Chester, PA, offering 83 distinct degree programs across various fields of study. Graduates from Widener University report median earnings of $70,920 ten years after entry, reflecting strong career outcomes.
Key Facts
- 2024 Undergraduate Tuition: $53,638
- 2024 Average Net Price: $30,470 After Financial Aid
- 2024 Acceptance Rate: 84.02% Moderate Selectivity
- 2024 Enrolled Students: 2,765 N/A% Full-Time
- 2024 Graduation Rate: 63.51%
- Average SAT Score: 1170
Costs
Tuition Costs
$53,638
2024 Undergraduate Tuition
In 2024, the cost of tuition at Widener University was $53,638.
Tuition comparison with similar institutions.
Average Net Price
$30,470
2024 Value
In 2024 Widener University had an average net price — the price paid after factoring in grants and loans — of $30,470.
Average net price comparison with similar institutions.
Total Cost of Attendance
$121,880 Estimated 4-Year Total Cost
$30,470 Average Annual Net Price (after aid)
$214,552 4-Year Tuition
Costs include tuition and fees. Room & board, books, and other expenses are additional.
4-year total cost breakdown for Widener University.
Financial Aid by Income Level
24.85% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Grants
73.46% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Loans
Financial aid distribution by income level.
Student Loan Default Rate
Not reported
3-year cohort default rate (College Scorecard)
The published 3-year cohort default rate for borrowers at Widener University was not reported in the College Scorecard extract for this institution.
Cohort default rates account for borrowers who default in the first three years.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
84.02% Acceptance Rate
This institution has a moderate acceptance rate, accepting most qualified applicants.
Acceptance rate compared to national average.
Test Scores
SAT Average: 1170
Average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students.
Academic Requirements
Estimated GPA Range: 3.0 - 3.4
Estimated Median GPA: 3.20
Note: GPA requirements are estimated based on admission selectivity and test scores. Actual requirements may vary.
Estimated GPA and test score ranges.
Enrollment
Full-Time vs Part-Time Enrollment
N/A% Full-Time Enrollment
The total enrollment at Widener University in 2024 is 2,765 students.
Full-time vs part-time enrollment comparison.
Retention Rate over Time
N/A%
2024 Retention Rate
Retention rate measures the number of first-time students who began their studies the previous fall and returned to school the following fall.
Retention rate over time compared to similar institutions.
Graduates & Outcomes
Time to Complete
55.71% 100% Completion Time
63.51% 150% Completion Time
In 2024, 55.71% of students graduating from Widener University completed their program within 100% "normal time".
Completion rates over time compared to similar institutions.
ROI & Programs
Financial value and program information for Widener University.
Return on Investment
$27,000 Median Student Debt
$70,920 Median Annual Earnings (10 years)
38.07% Debt-to-Earnings Ratio
481.88% Return on Investment
3.8 years Estimated Payback Period
Financial value analysis for Widener University.
Top Programs by Completions
10 Programs Reporting Data
Law (JD): 290 completions
Social Work: 207 completions
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, & Nursing Research: 198 completions
CIP 52.0201: 67 completions
CIP 42.2801: 66 completions
General Psychology: 45 completions
CIP 51.2207: 44 completions
CIP 51.2308: 32 completions
General Biological Sciences: 28 completions
Other/Unknown Programs: 1,563 completions
Most popular programs at Widener University.
Employment Outcomes
$63,375 Median Earnings (6 years after entry)
$65,135 Median Earnings (8 years after entry)
$70,920 Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
Earnings outcomes for Widener University graduates.
About
Widener University is a private non-profit institution located in Chester, PA, offering 83 distinct degree programs across various academic disciplines. The institution enrolls approximately 2,765 students. The admission rate is 84.02%. Average SAT scores for admitted students are 1170. The institution maintains a 63.51% graduation rate. Approximately 24.85% of students receive Pell Grants.
Institution Type
Private Non-profit
Location
Chester, PA 19013-5792
Region: Mid East
Insights and Analysis
Diverse Program Offerings: With over 83 distinct degree programs, Widener University provides students with a wide range of academic options. This diversity allows students to explore various fields and find programs that align with their interests and career goals.
Data Sources
This page uses data from the following sources:
- College Scorecard - U.S. Department of Education
- Institutional characteristics, costs, completion rates, and earnings data
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
- Employment and wage data by occupation
- Latest data: May 2024
- Source: bls.gov/oes
- O*NET Online - U.S. Department of Labor
- Occupational skills, knowledge, abilities, and work activities
- Database version: 28.0 (August 2023)
- Source: onetcenter.org
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) - National Center for Education Statistics
- Institutional data, completions, enrollment, and financial aid
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: nces.ed.gov/ipeds
- Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS)
- Demographic and workforce data
- Latest data: 2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates
- Source: census.gov/acs
Data Processing: All data has been processed, cleaned, and aggregated for presentation. Where specific data points are unavailable, estimates are based on available data and clearly marked.
Last Updated: Data reflects the most recent available information as of January 2025.
Methodology
Data for this profile is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard dataset, which provides comprehensive information on institutions of higher education in the United States.
All financial figures are adjusted for inflation and represent the most recent available data. Graduation rates and completion times are calculated according to federal standards.