Cedar Crest College vs. Widener University

Comparable Facts

Compare Cedar Crest College in Allentown, PA with Widener University in Chester, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Widener University is larger than Cedar Crest College based on total student enrollment (5,713 students vs. 1,290 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cedar Crest College is located in Allentown, PA (Midsize City setting); Widener University is in Chester, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Cedar Crest College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Widener University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cedar Crest College 9:1; Widener University 11:1.

Cedar Crest College vs. Widener University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cedar Crest College or Widener University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Cedar Crest College than Widener University ($23,691 vs. $26,778).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cedar Crest College are 18.9% lower than at Widener University ($13,406 vs. $16,530).
• Widener University is 20.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cedar Crest College (about $9,416 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $46,314.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.3% higher at Widener University than at Cedar Crest College (about $9,416 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $46,314.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Widener University than at Cedar Crest College (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Widener University students is 31.2% larger than aid received by Cedar Crest College students ($43,706 vs. $33,323).

Cedar Crest College vs. Widener University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cedar Crest College or Widener University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Widener University and Cedar Crest College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Widener University (1190) is 70 points higher than at Cedar Crest College (1120).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cedar Crest College 1000/1230; Widener University 1080/1290.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cedar Crest College - Test-free; Widener University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Widener University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at Cedar Crest College (3.42).
• Cedar Crest College has a higher acceptance rate (84.1%) than Widener University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.5% at Cedar Crest College vs. 13.8% at Widener University.

Cedar Crest College vs. Widener University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cedar Crest College and Widener University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Widener University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Cedar Crest College's (50%).
• Graduates from Widener University earn a median of about $11,700 more per year than Cedar Crest College graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,500 vs. $47,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Widener University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than Cedar Crest College graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,750).
• Among borrowers, Widener University graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cedar Crest College graduates ($279 vs. $286).
• More Widener University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cedar Crest College students, three years after graduation. (68% vs. 59%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.