Widener University vs. AU

Comparable Facts

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

Widener University is larger than AU based on total student enrollment (5,713 students vs. 4,710 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Widener University is located in Chester, PA (Large Suburban setting); Anderson University is in Anderson, SC (Small City setting).
• Widener University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Anderson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Widener University 11:1; Anderson University 13:1.

Widener University vs. AU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Widener University or AU? 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 Anderson University than Widener University ($24,434 vs. $26,778).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Anderson University are 23% lower than at Widener University ($12,720 vs. $16,530).
• Widener University is 59.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than AU (about $20,760 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $34,970.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 59.4% higher at Widener University than at Anderson University (about $20,760 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $34,970.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Widener University than at Anderson University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Widener University students is 68.3% larger than aid received by Anderson University students ($43,706 vs. $25,969).

Widener University vs. AU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Widener University or AU? 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 AU and Widener University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Widener University (1190) is the same as at AU (1190).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Widener University 1080/1290; Anderson University 1100/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsAnderson University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Widener University - Test optional; AU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman AU students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at Widener University (3.46).
• Widener University has a higher acceptance rate (70.9%) than AU (54.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.8% at Widener University vs. 32.5% at AU.

Widener University vs. AU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Widener University and AU? 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 Anderson University's (48%).
• Graduates from Widener University earn a median of about $22,000 more per year than AU graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,500 vs. $37,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Anderson University graduates have a $138 lower median loan debt than Widener University graduates ($26,862 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Widener University graduates ($277 vs. $279).
• More Widener University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AU students, three years after graduation. (68% vs. 60%)

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.