Widener University vs. SU

Comparable Facts

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

Widener University is larger than SU based on total student enrollment (5,713 students vs. 4,454 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Widener University is located in Chester, PA (Large Suburban setting); Shenandoah University is in Winchester, VA (Small City setting).
• Widener University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shenandoah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Widener University 11:1; Shenandoah University 12:1.

Widener University vs. SU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Widener University or SU? 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 SU ($26,778 vs. $27,181).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shenandoah University are 24.4% lower than at Widener University ($12,490 vs. $16,530).
• Widener University is 50.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than SU (about $18,780 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $36,950.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 50.8% higher at Widener University than at Shenandoah University (about $18,780 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $36,950.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Widener University as at Shenandoah University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Widener University students is 76.6% larger than aid received by Shenandoah University students ($43,706 vs. $24,747).

Widener University vs. SU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Widener University (1190) is 70 points higher than at SU (1120).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Widener University 1080/1290; Shenandoah University 1010/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsShenandoah University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Widener University - Test optional; SU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: SU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SU students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Widener University (3.46).
• SU has a higher acceptance rate (77%) than Widener University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.8% at Widener University vs. 16.7% at SU.

Widener University vs. SU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Widener University and SU? 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 Shenandoah University's (45%).
• Graduates from Widener University earn a median of about $11,200 more per year than SU graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,500 vs. $48,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shenandoah University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Widener University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Widener University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Widener University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SU 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.