Kent State vs. Widener University

Comparable Facts

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

Kent State University at Kent is larger than Widener University based on total student enrollment (26,374 students vs. 5,713 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Kent State University at Kent is located in Kent, OH (Large Suburban setting); Widener University is in Chester, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Kent State University at Kent is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Widener University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Kent State University at Kent 20:1; Widener University 11:1.

Kent State vs. Widener University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kent 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 Kent State University at Kent than Widener University ($21,278 vs. $26,778).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Kent State University at Kent are 16.6% lower than at Widener University ($13,794 vs. $16,530).
• Widener University is 321.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Kent State (about $42,498 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $13,232.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 141.4% higher at Widener University than at Kent State University at Kent (about $32,648 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $23,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Widener University than at Kent State University at Kent (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Widener University students is 333.8% larger than aid received by Kent State University at Kent students ($43,706 vs. $10,076).

Kent State vs. Widener University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Widener University (1190) is 60 points higher than at Kent State (1130).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Kent State University at Kent 1010/1240; Widener University 1080/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Kent State University at Kent 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kent State - Test optional; Widener University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kent State Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Kent State students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Widener University (3.46).
• Kent State has a higher acceptance rate (86.3%) than Widener University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.3% at Kent State vs. 13.8% at Widener University.

Kent State vs. Widener University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kent 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 Kent State University at Kent's (50%).
• Graduates from Widener University earn a median of about $19,200 more per year than Kent State graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,500 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Kent State University at Kent graduates have a $1,175 lower median loan debt than Widener University graduates ($25,825 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Kent State graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Widener University graduates ($267 vs. $279).
• More Widener University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Kent State students, three years after graduation. (68% vs. 46%)

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.