University of Scranton vs. Widener University

Comparable Facts

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

Widener University is larger than University of Scranton based on total student enrollment (5,713 students vs. 4,724 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

University of Scranton vs. Widener University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Scranton 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 Widener University than University of Scranton ($26,778 vs. $34,234).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Widener University are 4.9% lower than at University of Scranton ($16,530 vs. $17,380).
• Widener University is 3.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Scranton (about $1,747 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $53,983.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.2% higher at Widener University than at University of Scranton (about $1,747 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $53,983.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Widener University than at University of Scranton (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Widener University students is 22.7% larger than aid received by University of Scranton students ($43,706 vs. $35,606).

University of Scranton vs. Widener University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Scranton 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 University of Scranton.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Scranton (1240) is 50 points higher than at Widener University (1190).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Scranton 1160/1318; Widener University 1080/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Scranton 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Scranton - Test optional; Widener University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Scranton Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Scranton students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Widener University (3.46).
• University of Scranton has a higher acceptance rate (81.2%) than Widener University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.3% at University of Scranton vs. 13.8% at Widener University.

University of Scranton vs. Widener University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Scranton 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).

• University of Scranton's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Widener University's (54%).
• Graduates from University of Scranton earn a median of about $2,600 more per year than Widener University graduates about ten years after starting college ($62,100 vs. $59,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Widener University and University of Scranton graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Widener University and University of Scranton graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More University of Scranton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Widener University students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.