Elon vs. Widener University

Comparable Facts

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

Elon University is larger than Widener University based on total student enrollment (7,239 students vs. 5,713 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Elon vs. Widener University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elon 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 Elon ($26,778 vs. $44,440).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Elon University are 9.3% lower than at Widener University ($14,985 vs. $16,530).
• Widener University is 18.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Elon (about $8,772 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $46,958.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.7% higher at Widener University than at Elon University (about $8,772 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $46,958.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Widener University than at Elon University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Widener University students is 144.6% larger than aid received by Elon University students ($43,706 vs. $17,867).

Elon vs. Widener University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Elon 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 Elon.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elon University (1210) is 20 points higher than at Widener University (1190).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 1130/1280; Widener University 1080/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 23/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elon - Test optional; Widener University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Elon Jan 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Elon students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Widener University (3.46).
• Widener University has a higher acceptance rate (70.9%) than Elon (66.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Elon vs. 13.8% at Widener University.

Elon vs. Widener University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elon 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).

• Elon University's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Widener University's (54%).
• Graduates from Widener University earn a median of about $3,300 more per year than Elon graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,500 vs. $56,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elon University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Widener University graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Elon graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Widener University graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More Elon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Widener University students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.