At $30,470/yr net price, Widener University graduates earn $70,920/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $36,920/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $30,470 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $121,880 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $70,920/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$36,920/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 63.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $25,328/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $25,620/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $28,722/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,013/yr |
| $110,001+ | $34,560/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Master | $84,653 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $72,274 | $97,000 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $71,854 | |
| Education, Other. | Doctoral | $69,338 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $69,023 | $27,000 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,660 | $27,000 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,029 | $26,500 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,275 | $27,000 |
| Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies. | Master | $60,320 | |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $59,640 | $26,998 |
The Risk Factor
63.5% of students at Widener University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 37% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Widener University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The $30,470 annual net price positions this private institution in the middle tier for affordability, but graduation outcomes vary dramatically by major.
Business programs represent your best financial bet here. The specialized business track earns $84,653 annually while general business graduates earn $71,854, both well above the university median. These programs justify the investment cost more clearly than other options.
Nursing offers solid middle-ground returns at $69,023 with manageable $27,000 debt levels. Education majors earn $69,338, reasonable for a field with strong job security in the Philadelphia metro area. However, rehabilitation and therapeutic professions create a concerning debt-to-income mismatch with $97,000 in borrowing for $72,274 annual earnings.
The 63.5% graduation rate signals completion risk you need to factor into your calculations. Nearly four in ten students leave without finishing, making the investment worthless. The 78% retention rate suggests first-year academic support, but struggles emerge later in the program.
You face particular financial risk if you enter lower-earning majors or struggle academically. The debt load becomes problematic without degree completion or in programs with poor earning potential.
Widener works financially if you target business programs, have strong academic preparation, and can benefit from the school's proximity to Philadelphia job markets. Look elsewhere if you need extensive financial aid (only 25% receive assistance), plan to study lower-return majors, or lack confidence in completing your degree within six years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Widener University worth the high tuition cost?
With a net price of $30,470 annually and 10-year median earnings of $70,920, Widener's ROI is below average for private universities. The school's 63.5% graduation rate means over one-third of students don't finish their degree.
What are the best paying majors at Widener University?
Business, Management, and Marketing programs lead with $84,653 median earnings, followed by Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions at $72,274. These programs offer the strongest financial returns compared to the cost of attendance.
How much debt do Widener University graduates typically have?
Widener graduates carry a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, this assumes you graduate - the 63.5% completion rate means many students leave with debt but no degree.
Does Widener University provide good value compared to other Pennsylvania schools?
Widener's 87.7% acceptance rate and average SAT scores suggest it serves students who might struggle to get into higher-ranked schools. The earnings outcomes are modest for the price, making it a questionable value unless you're in one of the top-paying programs.