SUNY Cortland vs. Widener University

Comparable Facts

Compare State University of New York at Cortland in Cortland, NY with Widener University in Chester, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

State University of New York at Cortland is larger than Widener University based on total student enrollment (6,938 students vs. 5,713 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• State University of New York at Cortland is located in Cortland, NY (Rural Fringe setting); Widener University is in Chester, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• State University of New York at Cortland is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Widener University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: State University of New York at Cortland 15:1; Widener University 11:1.

SUNY Cortland vs. Widener University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SUNY Cortland 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 State University of New York at Cortland than Widener University ($19,847 vs. $26,778).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at State University of New York at Cortland are 5.9% lower than at Widener University ($15,560 vs. $16,530).
• Widener University is 528% more expensive for in-state tuition than SUNY Cortland (about $46,856 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $8,874.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 196.7% higher at Widener University than at State University of New York at Cortland (about $36,946 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $18,784.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Widener University than at State University of New York at Cortland (100% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Widener University students is 429.5% larger than aid received by State University of New York at Cortland students ($43,706 vs. $8,254).

SUNY Cortland vs. Widener University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SUNY Cortland 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 SUNY Cortland.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Widener University (1190) is 20 points higher than at SUNY Cortland (1170).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: State University of New York at Cortland 1090/1240; Widener University 1080/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: State University of New York at Cortland 22/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SUNY Cortland - Test-free; Widener University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman SUNY Cortland students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Widener University (3.46).
• Widener University has a higher acceptance rate (70.9%) than SUNY Cortland (59.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.3% at SUNY Cortland vs. 13.8% at Widener University.

SUNY Cortland vs. Widener University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SUNY Cortland 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).

• State University of New York at Cortland's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than Widener University's (54%).
• Graduates from Widener University earn a median of about $12,200 more per year than SUNY Cortland graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,500 vs. $47,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, State University of New York at Cortland graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Widener University graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SUNY Cortland graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Widener University graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More SUNY Cortland graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Widener University students, three years after graduation. (75% 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.