Fitchburg State vs. Widener University

Comparable Facts

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

Fitchburg State University is larger than Widener University based on total student enrollment (5,892 students vs. 5,713 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fitchburg State University is located in Fitchburg, MA (Midsize Suburban setting); Widener University is in Chester, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Fitchburg State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Widener University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fitchburg State University 11:1; Widener University 11:1.

Fitchburg State vs. Widener University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fitchburg State 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 Fitchburg State University than Widener University ($15,340 vs. $26,778).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fitchburg State University are 6.5% lower than at Widener University ($15,452 vs. $16,530).
• Widener University is 391.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fitchburg State (about $44,384 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $11,346.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 219.8% higher at Widener University than at Fitchburg State University (about $38,304 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $17,426.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Widener University than at Fitchburg State University (100% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Widener University students is 278.8% larger than aid received by Fitchburg State University students ($43,706 vs. $11,539).

Fitchburg State vs. Widener University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Fitchburg State 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 Fitchburg State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Widener University (1190) is 40 points higher than at Fitchburg State (1150).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fitchburg State University 1060/1230; Widener University 1080/1290.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fitchburg State - Test optional; Widener University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Widener University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at Fitchburg State (3.29).
• Fitchburg State has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than Widener University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.5% at Fitchburg State vs. 13.8% at Widener University.

Fitchburg State vs. Widener University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fitchburg State 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 Fitchburg State University's (47%).
• Graduates from Widener University earn a median of about $15,500 more per year than Fitchburg State graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,500 vs. $44,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fitchburg State University graduates have a $4,315 lower median loan debt than Widener University graduates ($22,685 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Fitchburg State graduates have an estimated $45 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Widener University graduates ($234 vs. $279).
• More Widener University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fitchburg State students, three years after graduation. (68% vs. 65%)

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.