Widener University

7/10 Overall Rating
4 Year
Chester, PA
0 reviews

#27 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania

Overview Admission Cost Majors Diversity Outcomes Salaries Location Compare Reviews Admission Calculator

Overview

Total enrollment

5,713

Location Chester, Pennsylvania
Website widener.edu
Type Private 4 Year
Setting Large Suburban

Best Colleges Rank

#333

Size Mid-size
Status Non-profit
Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

Widener University's main campus is located in Chester, Pennsylvania, approximately 14 miles south of Philadelphia along the I-95 corridor. The suburban campus spans 108 acres and features a mix of historic Victorian and modern academic buildings, centered around the iconic Old Main, which dates back to the institution's founding as Pennsylvania Military College in 1821. Originally established as a military college, Widener transitioned to civilian education in 1972 and now operates as a private university offering undergraduate and graduate programs across eight schools and colleges. The university maintains strong academic programs in engineering, nursing, business, and law, with the law school operating from a separate campus in nearby Delaware. Widener provides on-campus housing through traditional residence halls and apartment-style accommodations, primarily serving undergraduate students, and competes in NCAA Division III athletics as the Pride.

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Ratings

Widener University is rated within the top 38% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10.

Overall Rating

7 out of 10
Academics

7 out of 10
Resources

8 out of 10
Outcomes

6 out of 10
Value

8 out of 10

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Rankings

Rankings for Widener University within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

Best Colleges in the U.S.

#333
Best Private Colleges in the U.S.

#248
Best Colleges in Pennsylvania

#29
Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania

#27
Best Value Colleges in the U.S.

#224
Best Value Colleges in Pennsylvania

#21

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Admissions

Admission Standards

Challenging

SAT (enrolled mid-50) 1080/1290
GPA 3.46

Acceptance Rate

70.9%

Applications Due -
Enrollment Rate 13.8%
Application Fee $0

Applicant Competition Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

Tuition

$55,730

Costs for Widener University
Fee		Cost
Tuition		$55,730
Books and Supplies		$1,408
Other Fees		$1,070
Room and Board		$16,530
Budget for Other Expenses		$1,890
Total One Year Cost		$76,628

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Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$59,500 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

54% within 6 years

View Post Graduation Outcomes

Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at Widener University are Business, Health Professions, and Engineering. 28% of students major in Business, 23% in Health Professions, and 11% in Engineering.