About Widener University
Students pay an average net price of $30,470 after financial aid, less than the $53,638 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $70,920 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $27,000 manageable with monthly payments around $286. The investment pays off quickly given the 97.4% employment rate among graduates. These strong earning outcomes reflect the university's focus on career-ready programs rather than theoretical studies.
The student body skews 60% female, reflecting strong enrollment in nursing and education programs. Nearly one-quarter of students receive Pell Grants, indicating economic diversity despite the private tuition. The Pride compete in 20 Division III sports with 528 total athletes, creating a tight-knit community feel. The 78% retention rate suggests most students find their academic fit early and stick with their programs.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 37.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 65.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 63.5%
- Retention Rate
- 78.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $70,920
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Master | $84,653 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $72,274 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $71,854 |
| Education, Other. | Doctoral | $69,338 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $69,023 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,660 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,029 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,275 |
| Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies. | Master | $60,320 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $59,640 |
Campus Life
The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates tight-knit classroom communities where professors know students by name. Engineering and nursing majors spend considerable time in labs and clinical rotations. With 20 varsity sports and 528 total athletes competing in Division III, game days draw decent crowds despite the lack of athletic scholarships. The Pride nickname reflects the school's emphasis on community spirit.
Weekend activities center around Philadelphia trips for concerts, restaurants, and cultural events. On campus, students gather for residence hall programming and intramural sports. The suburban setting means most social life happens on campus or requires a car. Greek life provides another social outlet, though specific participation rates aren't widely reported. Students often study together in small groups, reflecting the collaborative culture that the low student-faculty ratio encourages.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,400 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1821
Campus Safety (2023)
48 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 10 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 6 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Fondling | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 26°–42°F
- July Avg
- 70°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 41.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 23.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 39.8%
- Women
- 60.2%
- White
- 58.7%
- Black
- 23.2%
- Hispanic
- 8.0%
- Asian
- 4.1%
- In-State Students
- 54.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 24.9%
Location
- Address
- Chester, Pennsylvania 19013-5792
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $70,920
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $79,120
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $47,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 66.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Widener University?
Widener University accepts 87.69% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1105 and 1290 on the SAT. This welcoming admissions approach aligns with the university's focus on providing opportunities for hands-on learning in programs like engineering and nursing.
How much does Widener University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Widener University is $30,470, lower than the sticker price of $70,576. About 25% of students receive Pell Grants, and institutional grants average $32,236 for those who receive them. Graduates typically leave with $27,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $286.
What are the academics like at Widener University?
Widener University maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with 2,765 students, ensuring small class sizes across its programs. The university is particularly known for strong engineering, nursing, and law programs that emphasize practical, hands-on learning. The 78.24% retention rate reflects student satisfaction with the academic experience.
What career outcomes can graduates expect from Widener University?
Widener University graduates earn a median salary of $70,920 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 97.4% employment rate. The 63.50% six-year graduation rate shows steady progress toward degree completion. These outcomes reflect the university's practical approach to education in professional fields like engineering and healthcare.
Where is Widener University located and what is campus life like?
Widener University sits in Chester, Pennsylvania, a large suburban setting near Philadelphia. The campus houses 1,400 students in residence halls, creating a close-knit community feel. With 528 student-athletes competing in 20 NCAA Division III sports as the Pride, athletics play a significant role in campus culture.
How diverse is the student body at Widener University?
Widener University's student body is 58.66% white and 23.18% Black, with women making up 60.22% of enrollment. About 55% of students come from Pennsylvania, while the rest bring geographic diversity from other states. This blend creates a community where different backgrounds converge around the university's professional program focus.
