WCU vs. Widener University

Comparable Facts

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

West Chester University of Pennsylvania is larger than Widener University based on total student enrollment (17,171 students vs. 5,713 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

WCU vs. Widener University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WCU 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 West Chester University of Pennsylvania than Widener University ($22,546 vs. $26,778).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at West Chester University of Pennsylvania are 10.3% lower than at Widener University ($14,828 vs. $16,530).
• Widener University is 417.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $44,955 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $10,775.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 146.6% higher at Widener University than at West Chester University of Pennsylvania (about $33,131 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $22,599.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Widener University than at West Chester University of Pennsylvania (100% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Widener University students is 665.6% larger than aid received by West Chester University of Pennsylvania students ($43,706 vs. $5,709).

WCU vs. Widener University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WCU 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 WCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at West Chester University of Pennsylvania (1190) is the same as at Widener University (1190).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: West Chester University of Pennsylvania 1100/1270; Widener University 1080/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: West Chester University of Pennsylvania 24/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WCU - Test optional; Widener University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Widener University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at WCU (3.43).
• WCU has a higher acceptance rate (78.4%) than Widener University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.4% at WCU vs. 13.8% at Widener University.

WCU vs. Widener University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WCU 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).

• West Chester University of Pennsylvania's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Widener University's (54%).
• Graduates from Widener University earn a median of about $10,500 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,500 vs. $49,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Chester University of Pennsylvania graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Widener University graduates ($23,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Widener University graduates ($242 vs. $279).
• More WCU 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.