ECSU vs. Widener University

Comparable Facts

Compare Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic, CT with Widener University in Chester, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Widener University is larger than ECSU based on total student enrollment (5,713 students vs. 4,355 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Connecticut State University is located in Willimantic, CT (Distant Town setting); Widener University is in Chester, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Eastern Connecticut State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Widener University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Eastern Connecticut State University 15:1; Widener University 11:1.

ECSU vs. Widener University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ECSU 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 Eastern Connecticut State University than Widener University ($21,512 vs. $26,778).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Widener University are 5.2% lower than at Eastern Connecticut State University ($16,530 vs. $17,445).
• Widener University is 300.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than ECSU (about $41,802 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $13,928.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 219.8% higher at Widener University than at Eastern Connecticut State University (about $38,302 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $17,428.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Widener University than at Eastern Connecticut State University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Widener University students is 317% larger than aid received by Eastern Connecticut State University students ($43,706 vs. $10,480).

ECSU vs. Widener University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ECSU 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 ECSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Widener University (1190) is 20 points higher than at ECSU (1170).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Connecticut State University 1070/1260; Widener University 1080/1290.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ECSU - Test optional; Widener University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Widener University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at ECSU (3.4).
• ECSU has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than Widener University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15% at ECSU vs. 13.8% at Widener University.

ECSU vs. Widener University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ECSU 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 Eastern Connecticut State University's (49%).
• Graduates from Widener University earn a median of about $13,100 more per year than ECSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,500 vs. $46,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Eastern Connecticut State University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Widener University graduates ($23,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, ECSU graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Widener University graduates ($237 vs. $279).
• More ECSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Widener University students, three years after graduation. (68% vs. 68%)

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.