ECU vs. Widener University

Comparable Facts

Compare East Carolina University in Greenville, NC with Widener University in Chester, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

East Carolina University is larger than Widener University based on total student enrollment (26,940 students vs. 5,713 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• East Carolina University is located in Greenville, NC (Small City setting); Widener University is in Chester, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• East Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Widener University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: East Carolina University 17:1; Widener University 11:1.

ECU vs. Widener University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ECU 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 East Carolina University than Widener University ($13,755 vs. $26,778).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at East Carolina University are 30.2% lower than at Widener University ($11,541 vs. $16,530).
• Widener University is 657.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than ECU (about $48,369 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $7,361.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 135.8% higher at Widener University than at East Carolina University (about $32,092 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $23,638.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Widener University than at East Carolina University (100% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Widener University students is 347.1% larger than aid received by East Carolina University students ($43,706 vs. $9,776).

ECU vs. Widener University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ECU 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 ECU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Widener University (1190) is 30 points higher than at ECU (1160).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: East Carolina University 1070/1240; Widener University 1080/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: East Carolina University 21/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ECU - Test optional; Widener University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Widener University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at ECU (3.33).
• ECU has a higher acceptance rate (89.2%) than Widener University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.1% at ECU vs. 13.8% at Widener University.

ECU vs. Widener University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ECU 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).

• East Carolina University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Widener University's (54%).
• Graduates from Widener University earn a median of about $15,600 more per year than ECU graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,500 vs. $43,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, East Carolina University graduates have a $2,212 lower median loan debt than Widener University graduates ($24,788 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, ECU graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Widener University graduates ($256 vs. $279).
• More Widener University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ECU students, three years after graduation. (68% vs. 63%)

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.