Admit rate has ranged 72%–88% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
Widener University is a private institution in Chester, Pennsylvania, known for its strong professional programs in business, engineering, and nursing, alongside a robust commitment to civic engagement. With an acceptance rate hovering around 71-84%, it attracts students who benefit from significant financial aid—nearly 100% of undergraduates receive some form of assistance. The university prides itself on a 93% post-graduation success rate, with alumni landing jobs, graduate school placements, or military/service roles within six months.
Admission requirements
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Required
High school transcript
Grade point average
TOEFL (non-native English)
Considered (not required)
Letters of recommendation
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
College-prep program
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Undergrad enrollment
2,951
In-state tuition
$55,730
Out-of-state tuition
$55,730
Acceptance Rate
71-84%
Female:Male Ratio
60.4% : 39.6%
6-Year Graduation Rate
64%
Median Starting Salary
$77,760
Undergraduate Enrollment
2,811
Average Financial Aid Package
$50,112
Post-Grad Success Rate (6 months)
93%
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median earnings (10 yr)
$70,920
Value (earnings ÷ net price)
2.8×
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
Graduation rate
68%
First-year retention
78%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr)
66%
Pell (lower-income) share
37%
First-generation share
30%
Endowment / student
$39,830
Financial health
3.0 / 3.0Meets the federal financial-responsibility standard
U.S. Dept. of Education Financial Responsibility Composite Score (FY2022-23). Scale −1.0 to 3.0; ≥1.5 meets the standard. Reported for private nonprofit & for-profit institutions only — public universities are state-backed and not scored, so this is a stability signal, not a ranking.
Top-earning majors
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$69,023
Chemical Engineering$67,660
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering$66,029
Mechanical Engineering$63,275
Civil Engineering$59,640
Accounting and Related Services
Campus & location
Campus safety
On-campus violent crimes (2024)
12
Per 1,000 students
4.07
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Climate
Pleasant days / yr
90
Summer high
85°F
Winter low
30°F
Annual rain
52"
Annual snow
12"
Natural-hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Deep dive — research, future-scholar output & economic mobility▾
Research output
Institutional h-index
126
Scholarly works
4,914
Institutional research volume and impact from OpenAlex. The h-index reflects large research universities and will be low for teaching-focused liberal-arts colleges — not a measure of undergraduate quality.
Economic mobility
Mobility rate
2.0%
Bottom → top quintile
33%
From bottom quintile
6%
Mobility rate = the share of students who both start in the bottom household-income quintile and reach the top quintile; bottom → top is that chance conditional on starting at the bottom. Source: Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Cards (Chetty, Friedman, Saez, Turner & Yagan). Reflects 1980–82 birth cohorts, so it’s directional, not current.
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at Widener University?
Widener University's acceptance rate is approximately 71% (Chester, PA), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for Widener University?
Admitted students at Widener University typically score 1080–1290 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does Widener University cost?
At Widener University, the average net price (after aid) is about $25,759 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend Widener University?
Widener University enrolls approximately 2,951 undergraduate students.
Where is Widener University located?
Widener University is located in Chester, PA.
Admissions
Widener University maintains a moderately selective admissions process, with Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. ranging from 71% to 84% across various sources. The middle 50% of admitted students typically score between 1065–1245 on the SAT or 21–27 on the ACT. While standardized test scores are considered, the university adopts a Holistic admissionsA review that weighs the whole applicant — grades, essays, activities, and context — rather than relying on test scores and GPA alone. process, emphasizing high school performance and other factors. Notably, only 11% of applicants submitted SAT scores in recent cycles, suggesting a Test-optionalA policy where you choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you don't, the rest of your application carries more weight. trend. Contact details for admissions include a toll-free number (1-888-WIDENER) and email (admissions.office@widener.edu).
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
$57,318
Computer and Information Sciences, General$52,107
Biomedical/Medical Engineering$52,107
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
Widener offers over 60 majors and minors, with standout programs in business (AACSB-accredited), engineering (including the region’s first undergraduate robotics engineering major), nursing, and social work. The most popular majors include Registered Nursing, Psychology, and Business Administration. The university emphasizes flexible learning options, such as stackable degrees, which allow students to accumulate certificates over time. Small class sizes and a focus on applied learning characterize the academic experience, supported by faculty who are often practitioners in their fields.
With a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,811 (60.4% female, 39.6% male), Widener fosters a vibrant campus culture through 80+ clubs and organizations. The university emphasizes inclusivity and belonging, with initiatives to support diverse perspectives. Housing and dining options are standard for a mid-sized university, and student reviews highlight active involvement in athletics and traditions. The scenic Chester campus provides a backdrop for a tight-knit community, though some students note the surrounding area’s urban challenges.
Widener boasts strong post-graduation outcomes: 93% of alumni achieve their career goals (employment, graduate school, or military/service) within six months. The median starting salary for 2024 graduates was $77,760, with mid-career earnings reaching $116,100—well above the national midpoint for four-year colleges ($60,377). The six-year graduation rate is 64%, placing Widener in the top 40% of institutions. Notably, Pell Grant recipients graduate at a rate of 67%, reflecting the university’s support for lower-income students.
Tuition at Widener is offset by generous financial aid: nearly 100% of undergraduates receive assistance, with an average aid package of $50,112. The Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. after scholarships and grants is approximately $30,720. The university awards over $50 million annually in scholarships and grants, including transfer scholarships up to $20,000. Prospective students can use the Net Price Calculator to estimate costs, which are competitive for a private institution with Widener’s outcomes.
Widener distinguishes itself through a pragmatic blend of professional preparation and civic engagement. Its engineering and nursing programs are regional leaders, while the business school’s AACSB accreditation signals rigor. The university’s commitment to affordability—with nearly universal financial aid—makes it accessible. Beyond academics, Widener’s focus on belonging and post-graduation success (93% placement rate) ensures students leave ready to thrive. For those seeking a mid-sized university with strong ROI and a community-oriented vibe, Widener delivers.
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