JU vs. Widener University

Comparable Facts

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

Widener University is larger than JU based on total student enrollment (5,713 students vs. 4,247 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

JU vs. Widener University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JU 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 Jacksonville University than Widener University ($24,238 vs. $26,778).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Widener University are 4% lower than at Jacksonville University ($16,530 vs. $17,210).
• Widener University is 16.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than JU (about $7,900 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $47,830.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.5% higher at Widener University than at Jacksonville University (about $7,900 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $47,830.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Jacksonville University as at Widener University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Widener University students is 9.7% larger than aid received by Jacksonville University students ($43,706 vs. $39,859).

JU vs. Widener University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, JU 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 JU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Jacksonville University (1190) is the same as at Widener University (1190).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Jacksonville University 1100/1280; Widener University 1080/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Jacksonville University 22/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JU - Test optional; Widener University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman JU students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Widener University (3.46).
• Widener University has a higher acceptance rate (70.9%) than JU (56.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.3% at JU vs. 13.8% at Widener University.

JU vs. Widener University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JU 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 Jacksonville University's (40%).
• Graduates from Widener University earn a median of about $4,700 more per year than JU graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,500 vs. $54,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Jacksonville University graduates have a $4,379 lower median loan debt than Widener University graduates ($22,621 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, JU graduates have an estimated $46 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Widener University graduates ($233 vs. $279).
• More Widener University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former JU students, three years after graduation. (68% vs. 54%)

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.