Colleges by Location
Colleges by Fields of Study
Colleges by Tuition Range
Colleges by GPA Range
College by SAT Range
Colleges by ACT Score
Graduate Schools by Location
Graduate Schools by Fields of Study
Graduate School by Degree Type
Paying for Graduate School
Online Graduate Programs
Test Preparation
Career Planning
College Planning
Graduate School Planning
Applying to Graduate School
Engineering Careers
Widener University
Chester, PA
Widener University is a private institution located in Chester, Pennsylvania. Established in 1821, it is one of the oldest universities in the state. Widener offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including arts and sciences, business, engineering, nursing, and social work. The university is known for its commitment to experiential learning, providing numerous opportunities for students to gain practical experience through internships, co-op programs, and community engagement. With a diverse student body and a strong emphasis on personal growth and professional development, Widener University strives to prepare students for successful careers and meaningful contributions to society.
Widener's campus is spread across 110 acres, offering state-of-the-art facilities and resources to support academic, athletic, and extracurricular activities. The university prioritizes student well-being and provides comprehensive support through academic advising, counseling services, health services, and disability support. Students can immerse themselves in a vibrant campus life, whether it's participating in more than 100 student organizations, joining athletic teams, or attending events and lectures.
Widener is recognized for its dedication to civic engagement and community service. The university's commitment to social responsibility is reflected in its curriculum, promoting global awareness, leadership development, and service-learning opportunities. Widener is also known for its strong alumni network, which offers professional connections and mentorship for students and graduates. With a focus on hands-on learning, community engagement, and a supportive environment, Widener University offers a well-rounded education that prepares students for success in their chosen fields and beyond.
Widener University is a private university located in Chester, PA and set in an urban environment. This school follows a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 84%. The freshman retention rate at Widener University is 78% and the six-year graduation rate is 64%.
Explore this school's profile to find out all the important things about Widener University.
Quick Facts
2,811
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
84%
Acceptance Rate
$54,660
Tuition
11:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
64%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
In order to improve your chances of getting admitted, you need to know as much as possible about the school's criteria for admission. Learn some vital information about admission policy and requirements at Widener University.
According to the most recent information reported, this institution uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 6,022 in 2024. Widener University has an official test-optional admission policy but takes into consideration standardized test scores if the applicant chooses to submit them. As far as admission difficulty is considered, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is moderately difficult to get into.
Test Scores
3% of the freshmen submitted SAT composite scores between 1,400 and 1,600, 38% between 1,200 and 1,399, 53% between 1,000 and 1,199, and 6% between 800 and 999. The latest reported average GPA of the enrolled students was 3.45. That means you'll most likely need an above-average GPA to get accepted.
Retention Rate
The student retention rate is the percentage of students who re-enroll from one year to the next. When you make your list of possible schools to attend, you should consider the freshman retention rate, among other things.
As reported in 2024, the freshman retention rate for Widener University was 78%, indicative of the exceptional educational experience and supportive environment at this school.
The graduation rate is another indicator to take into account. It reflects the proportion of students who obtain their degrees within the expected timeframe. The six-year graduation rate at this school is 64%, which is considered an above-average graduation rate.
Student Body
Figuring out which school is the right fit for you is not a task you should take lightly. You can have a better understanding of the school's culture and way of life by finding out more about the student body.
Main Student Body
The total number of students enrolled at Widener University in 2024 was 5,610.
That year, the institution had 37% of students coming from another state. There was a total of 2,811 undergrad students, including 44 international students. 146 students were accepted as transfer students.
Student Population Gender Ratio
With a coeducational student body, the school had 1,690 male and 2,668 female full-time students in 2024. 623 full-time graduate men and 1,119 full-time graduate women attended this school.
Student Population Diversity
Higher Education is dedicated to increasing student diversity and enhancing students' feelings of inclusion and belonging. In a diverse learning space, you will be exposed to people from different backgrounds, which promotes the feeling of inclusion and acceptance. Find out more about different ethnic groups you can meet at Widener University.
In 2024, out of the total number of students enrolled at the institution, the number of students of Asian origin was 112, while the number of Black American students was 641. 222 students at this school declared as Hispanic/Latino and 36 identified with more than one race. The school also had 3 students who identified as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, and 7 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 78 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
One of the most crucial things to take into account when applying to any college or university is the financial component. Here are some details you should know about the cost of attendance for Widener University.
Tuition and Fees
Here are some facts that can be useful if you were curious about Widener University estimated tuition price.
Tuition in 2024 was $54,660 for full-time domestic students. Since this is a private institution, there is no difference in tuition for out-of-state or international students. Full-time students in 2024 had to pay additional fees in the amount of $1,070.
Books and Supplies
Another important expense to take into consideration is the approximate cost of books and supplies for a college or university. The approximate price of books and supplies for a full-time student of this school is $1,408.
Boarding
Besides tuition, another cost to consider is the price of housing in the dorms and eating at the school cafeteria. What do schools typically charge for accommodation and meals?
The cost of room and board (on campus) per academic year at Widener University was $15,730 in 2024. If you only wanted a room on the campus, it cost $8,980 for the 2024 academic year.
| Tuition | $ 54,660 |
| Room and Board | $ 15,730 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 1,408 |
| Total Expense | $ 71,798 |
Financial Aid
Grants, loans, scholarships, work-study programs: these are all types of financial support available to students. Check out some recent data to get the info about need-based and non-need-based aid students could get at Widener University.
The most recent records show that 805 freshmen received some sort of financial help. The average financial aid package awarded to students equaled $42,293.
Need-based
If you need help with paying for your studies and you meet other eligibility requirements, you may be eligible for need-based aid.
There were 1,952 students who obtained need-based financial aid of any kind. The overall number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need amounted to 2,044. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution totaled $6,789,698, and state $3,445,485. The students of Widener University received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $68,454,490, and external in the amount of $751,285.
$31,000
Average Amount of Aid Received
Non-Need Based
Non-need-based aid is any type of financial aid given to a student who does not meet the requirements for need-based aid. Most students get non-need-based financial aid as Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the TEACH Grant.
Institutional non-need-based scholarships or grants were given to 1,922 students overall (including freshmen) at Widener University in 2024. Institutional grants or scholarships that are not based on financial need were given to 802 full-time freshman. The total amount of non-need-based institutional scholarships/grants was $13,827,904. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. The amount the students of this school received from external sources (e.g. Kiwanis, National Merit) was $183,443 USD.
Open Applications
Find open programs by choosing your preferred academic interest from the list below, and select your desired term start. Get started with your application process and find more information using the Apply button.
Majors
Faculty
11:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
Knowing more about a school's faculty can help you gauge the caliber of the education it can provide to you.
According to the most recent data, the student-faculty ratio at Widener University was 11:1: that means 11 students per one teacher, which is considered a good ratio. The faculty of this school consists of 709 members, according to the most recent data reported. Out of that number, there were 264 male and 445 female faculty members. The fact that female faculty members outnumber the male ones at this school speaks volumes for gender equality at Widener University.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
It is not all about learning and grades at Widener University: campus life is a crucial component of your educational experience. Find out some information about campus life at Widener University.
Its campus is 110 acres in size.
Student Organizations
Being a member of a student organization will make you connect better with your fellow students and enjoy your college years more.
This number includes sororities and fraternities. At this school, 8% of male students are members of social organizations, while that percentage is 14 for female students. Those who have a talent for music can join the Widener University band or chorus. For students with a talent for acting, there is a drama club.
Student Services
At Widener University, there are many amenities that make life on campus pleasant and safe.
There are phone and alarm devices that can be accessed 24/7 for emergency situations. The school has electronically operated dormitory entrances. There is a security patrol available 24/7. The after-hours transportation/escort service is available.
There is a health clinic with personal/psychological counseling. In addition, other services like Veteran's Affairs are available to the students of Widener University.
All in all, campus life at Widener University is rich and vibrant and provides all you need for a comfortable stay.
Career Services
Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at Widener University.
Career Counselling
At Widener University, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There are a library, a job bank, and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. The career center offers resume preparation and resume referral to employers. There is campus employer recruitment for all the students. This school offers alumni networking opportunities, which could be excellent for your future career. Individual job placement is available to all students at this school.
Job Placement
Finding out some information about the expected post-graduation salary can help you decide if a particular school suits your career objectives.
Students who find employment within six months of graduating can expect an average base annual starting salary of 70,987 USD.
$70,987
Average Starting Salary After 6 Months of Graduation
FAQ
-
Widener University is located in Chester, PA.
-
According to the latest information, you would need to pay about 54,660 USD per academic year for Widener University.
-
This school uses standardized test scores for admission.
-
The most recent data indicate that the acceptance rate for Widener University is 84%.
-
The most recent reported freshman retention rate for Widener University is 78%.
Contact Information
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
Find the best schools for you.
Need help with choosing grad school? We got you.
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.