TU vs. Widener University

Comparable Facts

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

Towson University is larger than Widener University based on total student enrollment (19,401 students vs. 5,713 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Towson University is located in Towson, MD (Small City setting); Widener University is in Chester, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Towson University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Widener University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Towson University 14:1; Widener University 11:1.

TU vs. Widener University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, TU 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 Towson University than Widener University ($16,653 vs. $26,778).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Towson University are 1.6% lower than at Widener University ($16,260 vs. $16,530).
• Widener University is 375.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than TU (about $44,002 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $11,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 86.9% higher at Widener University than at Towson University (about $25,910 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $29,820.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Widener University than at Towson University (100% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Widener University students is 269.8% larger than aid received by Towson University students ($43,706 vs. $11,820).

TU vs. Widener University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, TU 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 TU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Widener University (1190) is 100 points higher than at TU (1090).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Towson University 950/1235; Widener University 1080/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Towson University 19/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: TU - Test optional; Widener University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: TU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman TU students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at Widener University (3.46).
• TU has a higher acceptance rate (82%) than Widener University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at TU vs. 13.8% at Widener University.

TU vs. Widener University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for TU 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).

• Towson University's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Widener University's (54%).
• Graduates from Widener University earn a median of about $6,000 more per year than TU graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,500 vs. $53,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Towson University graduates have a $9,250 lower median loan debt than Widener University graduates ($17,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, TU graduates have an estimated $96 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Widener University graduates ($183 vs. $279).
• More TU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Widener University students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.