Chatham vs. Widener University

Comparable Facts

Compare Chatham University in Pittsburgh, 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 Chatham based on total student enrollment (5,713 students vs. 2,309 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chatham University is located in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting); Widener University is in Chester, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Chatham University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Widener University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chatham University 10:1; Widener University 11:1.

Chatham vs. Widener University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Chatham 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 Widener University than Chatham ($26,778 vs. $31,280).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Chatham University are 17.7% lower than at Widener University ($13,600 vs. $16,530).
• Widener University is 24.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Chatham (about $11,104 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $44,626.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.9% higher at Widener University than at Chatham University (about $11,104 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $44,626.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Chatham University as at Widener University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Widener University students is 45.2% larger than aid received by Chatham University students ($43,706 vs. $30,095).

Chatham vs. Widener University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Chatham 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 Chatham.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Widener University (1190) is 10 points higher than at Chatham (1180).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chatham University 1070/1295; Widener University 1080/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chatham University 21/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Chatham - Test optional; Widener University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Chatham students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Widener University (3.46).
• Widener University has a higher acceptance rate (70.9%) than Chatham (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Chatham vs. 13.8% at Widener University.

Chatham vs. Widener University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Chatham 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).

• Chatham University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Widener University's (54%).
• Graduates from Widener University earn a median of about $22,800 more per year than Chatham graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,500 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Chatham University graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Widener University graduates ($20,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Chatham graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Widener University graduates ($211 vs. $279).
• More Widener University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Chatham students, three years after graduation. (68% vs. 62%)

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.