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Established in 1821 as a school for boys and located in Chester, Pennsylvania, Widener University (WU) has grown to become a prestigious academic institution since then. Widener offers students an engaging education designed to prepare them for successful futures.


Overview of Widener University (WU)


WU provides an inclusive community for its 5,400+ student body - 2,500+ of whom are undergraduates - that encourages academic, extracurricular, and social success. Widener's campus boasts an inviting and stimulating atmosphere which offers many academic, extracurricular, and social opportunities.

Widener has long been recognized for its academic excellence and innovative programs, earning them a high ranking among private, non-profit colleges nationwide. Widener's faculty are dedicated to teaching and mentoring students, which is aided by the low 11 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio.

Overall, Widener is an innovative and forward-thinking institution which provides an engaging environment in which its students can flourish academically and personally. Thanks to its long history and unwavering dedication, Widener continues to shape the future of education.

General Information


School Type Private not-for-profit
Campus Setting Suburb: Large
Campus Housing Yes
Student Faculty Ratio 13 : 1
Graduation Rate 65%
Year Founded 1862

Student Enrollment


Total Students6,496

Undergraduate
3,223
Graduate
3,273

Undergraduate Student

Male 1,386
1,386
Female 1,837
1,837

Graduate Student

Male 1,407
1,407
Female 1,866
1,866

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Top Rankings For Widener University


WU Acceptance Rate and Admissions


APPLICATIONS5,739

Male 2,429
Female 3,310

ACCEPTANCE4,304

Male 1,846
Female 2,449

Acceptance Rate75%

Male 76%
Female 74%

Enrollment 603

Male 290
Female 313
Admissions
Application Fee NA
High School GPA Required
High School Rank Recommended
High School Transcripts Required
College Prep Courses Recommended
Recommendations Recommended
SAT/ACT Considered But Not Required
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Required
Application Deadline Rolling
Common Application Accepted Yes

WU Tuition Cost & Financial Aid


Widener University tuition costs do not vary based on residency because this is a private institution. For the 2022-23 academic year, base tuition costs were $51,639. However, there are also other costs such as books and supplies (estimated at $1,332), room and board ($8,280-$15,200), and other personal costs ($1,782-$2,430).

Things such as books and supplies are essential materials needed for course work and academic achievement. There may also be technology or parking fees. Thus, costs can begin to add up quickly and a strategic budget and financial plan are key in creating an enjoyable academic experience and will help ensure its success and fulfillment.

In a recent year, 99% of students were able to make use of financial aid options while attending WU. Those who did so paid an average net cost of $32,185.

Average net price 2018-2019
Net Price $31,666
Average Total Aid $30,113
Students Receiving Financial Aid 98%
Room & Board $14,736

Sticker Price


  • Tuition In-State - $47,328
  • Tuition Out-of-State - $47,328
  • Books and Supplies - $1,300
  • Room & Board - $14,736
  • Other - $1,728

Popular Academic Programs at WU


Widener University offers a comprehensive academic program with an expansive selection of majors and degrees for its students to select from. Offering both undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines including business, engineering, healthcare, liberal arts, and sciences is just some of what sets Widener apart from its competition. Students will have access to 40+ undergraduate programs with 50+ minor options, as well as 50+ graduate and professional programs.

Widener students have the chance to pursue majors like chemical engineering, electrical and electronics engineering, bioengineering and biomedical engineering, civil engineering, management and operations management, healthcare facilities administration, liberal studies, hospitality management, and others. All programs at Widener are tailored toward providing students with all the knowledge and tools necessary for success in their chosen fields and their largest departments include those in business, management, and marketing; education; and healthcare professions and related programs.

WU proudly confers degrees each year across its many programs, taking great pride in its dedication to ensure student success with its dedicated faculty and 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing students to receive personalized assistance throughout their academic journey. At Widener, students can expect to receive a high-quality education while exploring their passions and preparing for successful careers in their chosen fields.

Student Population Total


Student Population 6,496

Undergraduate
3,223
Graduate
3,273
Evening Classes : Yes
Online Learning : Yes

Most Popular Programs & Majors

(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)


All Health Professions and Related Majors 240 Total Graduates / 34%
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse 204 Graduates
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services, Other 30 Graduates
Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician 6 Graduates
All Business Majors 133 Total Graduates / 19%
Accounting 39 Graduates
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other 29 Graduates
Finance, General 17 Graduates
Hospitality Administration/Management, General 15 Graduates
All Engineering Majors 122 Total Graduates / 17%
Mechanical Engineering 38 Graduates
Civil Engineering, General 34 Graduates
Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering 17 Graduates
Chemical Engineering 12 Graduates
All Psychology Majors 60 Total Graduates / 8%
Psychology, General 45 Graduates
Psychology, Other 15 Graduates
All Biological and Biomedical Sciences Majors 40 Total Graduates / 6%
Biology/Biological Sciences, General 37 Graduates
Biochemistry 3 Graduates
All Other Diplomas 16%

Outcome & Salary


Widener University graduates enjoy remarkable career outcomes, boasting strong job placement rates, competitive starting salaries, and successful admission into graduate schools. In fact, recent statistics in positive career outcomes increased to 96%. This means that these graduates either found a job, entered graduate education, or joined military service shortly after earning their degrees. Widener offers an impressive variety of majors to give each graduate the chance to explore his or her passions and excel in their chosen fields.

WU graduates enjoy consistently strong employment rates after graduation, with many finding employment within months of completing their education at Widener. This success speaks to Widener's dedication to providing its students with a well-rounded curriculum that equips them for the workforce, and average salaries for its alumni reflect this value placed by employers on their skillset acquired during time spent at Widener. WU graduates also have solid graduate school admission rates, with many graduates continuing their education in top-tier programs after completing undergraduate study. Obviously, WU graduates are entirely prepared for success.

Graduates Salary
College Grads Early Career Salary $57,300
College Grads Average Salary $73,394
College Grads Mid Career Salary $99,700
Return on Investment (ROI)
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential $733,940
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential $1,730,940
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year $126,664
10 Year Projected ROI $607,276
20 Year Projected ROI $1,604,276
No College Education Salary Comparison
National Average Salary $38,792
10 Year Projected Income $387,920
20 Year Projected Income $775,840

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