Founded in 1821, Widener University. is a Private college. Located in Pennsylvania, which is a city setting in Pennsylvania, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 3,597 full time undergraduate students, and 2,805 full time graduate students.
The Widener University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 13:1. There are 281 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Widener University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
69%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
35
SAT Range
930-1130
ACT Range
21-26
Admissions at WU are considered Selective, with ,17% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 14 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
72% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 35% were in the top quarter, and 12% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Widener University.
6%
“We”re apathetic”
35%
“We know about current events and vote”
55%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
3%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
3%
“We save it for the classroom”
19%
“Sometimes, but not often”
61%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
16%
“All the time, including weekends”
3%
“I”m always terrified”
26%
“I only go out in groups”
39%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
32%
“I feel extremely safe”
25%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
29%
“We bought the gear”
46%
“We live for the big game”
13%
“It”s not really our thing”
30%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
57%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
0%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
6%
“Available in class”
58%
“They keep regular office hours”
35%
“They”re always available”
3%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
42%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
52%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
3%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
3%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
39%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
35%
“We only party on weekends”
23%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
30%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
53%
“There might be people who do”
17%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
6%
“We”re apathetic”
35%
“We know about current events and vote”
55%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
3%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
3%
“We save it for the classroom”
19%
“Sometimes, but not often”
61%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
16%
“All the time, including weekends”
3%
“I”m always terrified”
26%
“I only go out in groups”
39%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
32%
“I feel extremely safe”
25%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
29%
“We bought the gear”
46%
“We live for the big game”
13%
“It”s not really our thing”
30%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
57%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
0%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
6%
“Available in class”
58%
“They keep regular office hours”
35%
“They”re always available”
3%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
42%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
52%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
3%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
62 Students rated on-campus housing 3.3 stars. 10 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
50 Students rated off-campus housing 3.4 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
64 Students rated campus food 3 stars. 14 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
65 Students rated campus facilities 4 stars. 32 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
65 Students rated class size 4.5 stars. 57 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
64 Students rated school activities 3.7 stars. 27 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
65 Students rated local services 3.6 stars. 31 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
66 Students rated academics 3.7 stars. 27 % gave the school a 5.0.
Widener University REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of Widener University?
40 Students rated Widener University
Mya
12/30/2024
I really enjoy Widener University. It has allowed me to grow as a person even out of the classroom. A lot of the staff here is super supportive and you can always find a safe space in them. There's so many different organizations and clubs and theres a bunch of events during the week.
Kayla
11/25/2024
I am enjoying my first semester at Widener University as a nursing major. The nursing majors dorm are grouped together which is convenient for studying and getting to know your peers. Tutors are easily assessable. There is volunteer services available, and a lot of clubs to participate. The upper class-men are very welcoming, and as a student safety wise I always feel protected.
Jonathan
07/26/2024
Widener University is a small institution located in Chester, Pennsylvania. Each year, the new class brings a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to campus. The university offers a variety of programs and resources to support student success. Accommodating your first year with a group of faculty to coordinate and support your first year. Even with a coach to help guide you through your academic journey. The university aims to provide a comprehensive support system for all students. On par with the academic excellence support, they aim to also mentally support and nurture the well-being of each individual student. Resources such as CAPS are available for students to utilize for mental health support and counseling. Events and clubs are ongoing, and every day there's something new and exciting to participate in or learn from. The cafe includes Starbucks, Moe's, Auntie Anne's, and even a little mini market for snacks and essentials. The cafe does need a few retouches with its hygienic conditions and overall cleanliness of plateware, but overall it is a great place. The staff is kind, and don't forget to order an omelet with John; he makes them the best and even remembers your order! The class sizes are exceptional, where you can receive individualized attention from the instructors. The instructors are knowledgeable and truly care about their students' progress. First year housing was relatively unpleasant, with a lack of toilet paper at times and soap running out frequently. Some rooms with AC were not available, making it difficult to sleep comfortably during hot nights. Overall, Widener University is small but has a tight-knit community. Your second home awaits you as you embark on this new chapter of your life.
Kaleb
12/31/2020
I currently attend the online program, so I cannot speak to a majority of those questions. I think the online program is good. I like that it is organized. I do believe it is overpriced. I could see it being so expensive if they redid the curriculum every year, but I have done projects that have professor videos posted in 2018.
Kennedy
10/06/2020
It’s to expensive to for no reason and all the higher ups turn a blind eye to things students actually need. They say they’re all about their students and they’re not. Widener is a complete scam especially during this pandemic. They pretend to care and don’t.
Briana
05/13/2020
Widener University was my top choice school and I loved everything about it until this year. I had an issue with one of my roommates and the school only made the situation worse and ended up blaming me in the end. We have advisors who are supposed to make sure you are on track and fulfilling all of your requirements and they all suck and have no idea what they're doing. So now I have to pay $2,000 out of pocket to take a summer class because I was told I fulfilled a requirement even though I really hadent. Everything is overpriced for no reason. I lived in a $16,000 residence hall this year that had cockroaches and an RA who felt she could come into our room and go through our things whenever she liked. I used to live my school but I feel like they are willing to screw over their students for money whenever they get the chance.
Kayla
05/07/2020
My overall opinion of the school is that it thrives on the stance of community with the students, teachers, faculty and people living outside of Widener University. Everyone can be very friendly and I do like the small class size it provides. The food can be better, sometimes the staff don't care but you also have people that do care about the people.
Allison
04/18/2020
Widener was one of the first places that I could imagine myself being at. The entire building for nurses felt like home. The campus size wasn't too big but it is big enough to get lost for the first couple days. The day I visited, the weather wasn't on my side. The rain caused puddles on paved walkways. I felt like I was walking in one big puddle the whole time. The freshman dorms are really small. In the dorm located inside the Cann building, there was barely enough room for the beds to not be stacked on top of eachother. The overall tuition is very expensive. Even with the scholarships that they provide, it's just not enough. The quality of the food does make up for it. There were various options of meals to choose from. It was flavorful and I could tell it was made with love. The people here make up for the small dorm sizes. Right when I stepped on campus, I could tell that these were my people. The people I could see me studying with, cracking jokes with, become friends with. Right when I stepped on campus, I knew that this place valued each and every student. I knew that the people here were going to be my family for the next four years. Everyone that I have come across wasn't scared to show their real self. There's a bad reputation about the area that surrounds the school but I can tell that every student cares about the school. They want change, they want to change the reputation. They want to show off this school, the school they are proud of being part of. If I could change some things about the campus, I would. But, the one thing I would not change is the people. Widener is a place I would easily call home. Home isn't about the location. Home is about the people.
Tenisha
12/26/2019
Friendly, warm and welcoming!
John
10/07/2019
The school is mediocre at best. They lure students in with a scholarship and when they see the GPA disqualifies you they take it away instantly. Food isn’t good I typically use meal swipes or end up paying extra for food out side of the cafeteria. The class sizes aren’t that small most of the classes have 25 students in them. Professors also aren’t very friendly and tend to be busy. The campus is small and outdated for the cost of tuition. The dorms also are very small for freshmen and don’t have air conditioning. A state school could get you a better education for less.
Gurreet
10/06/2019
So far, it is okay. However, the people are very nice, yet I still very lost. Even though, there a lot of resources. Financially it is very confusing and unorganized.
Emma
08/14/2019
Widener University is a school where the university makes sure that you succeed. If you fall behind, someone is there with a solution or a plan that you can go with. the campus itself is doing great things for the community around it, with outreach programs and schooling opportunities for the children around the school. The people that make up the university are amazing and there to make sure that this is going to be the best college experience that you can get. Its a great school with not a lot of buzz around it.
Sheritta
06/27/2019
It is a great school. Very expensive but gives a great education
April
05/27/2019
I'm only attending Widener University for graduate school. On the academic side, the school is amazing; there are some staff and professors that need a lesson in empathy and sympathy though. However, I have noticed that the campus does cater more to the undergraduate population. The amenities are not conducive for the graduate programs. I stayed in graduate housing for a little bit and it was definitely not the best and it wasn't located in the best type of neighborhood. You can tell that they haven't been renovated in a long time. In addition, the hotels and restaurant choices surrounding the institution, need a little upgrade as well.
Kiana
04/30/2019
At the univeristy I am in the Accelerated BSN program, I am not on campus during the day. The campus is very beautiful and feels like home. The program is big it does not require for students to take an entrance exam. They will just have to have good grades and not repeat the science course.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Widener University is 69%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
As a senior within high school, I would advise myself multiple ideas to be able to accomplish more through transitioning to and living at college. I would state that I need to continue following my dreams of being a veterinarian, to give back to the horse community that taught me to be whom I am as a human being through morals, standards, and ambitions. Next, I would state that following my dreams is an ideal to never forget; and to never let myself down in any sense of the word. Also, reminding myself that staying on the same standards which my academic integrity and morals stand upon would insure that I will be who I truly am. Plus, saying that I should study more for my courses and to become even more active within the campus. In doing more activities than community, could help push myself to be better as a student within college and further my education as well. By giving this advice to myself would insure that I get the best education out of the time staying at college.
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?
That their financial aid and communication between students and advisors, both academic and financial, stinks. The tuition is far too high for the amount of attention the students receive and the quality of education.
Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.
Not only does Widener give you an upper hand before you graduate because of the curriculum that they provide here but it also is a very credited university out in the real world and that is where the upper hand really comes into place.
My school is small making the professors more available to students. My school has also been refurbished a great deal over the past few years, making living there easier and more comfortable for the students and residents.
My classmates are intelligent, intellectual people from different backgrounds their approach to learning in class is a learning experience in itself for me.
What kind of person should not attend this school?
A person who has strong moral values combined with a desire to excell academically should attend this school. This person should also have a desire to build strong relationships with various administrators on campus
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
Widener is unique in that not only is it a small private institution, but it also caters to people of all ethnic and racial backgrounds. The University has many schools of majors, which is why I chose Widener. Instead of having a nursing program, Widener has a School of Nursing. Due of this, people within those majors are more focused on their major and have a team of faculty specific to their studies, who are there for assistance. Also, the unique campus, being right in the middle of a lower class area, is extremely beautiful, safe and in excellent condition.
What's the most frustrating thing about your school?
The most frustrating thing about the school is the amount of work given to a student at one time. If the student is going on to presue higher education then this will help in their favor. Another frustrating thing about this school is having a bad advisor. Someone that is suppose to help guide you in the right direction, but they could care less.
I think the student satisfaction is high amongst us students. If I consider all the activist groups and civic programs to choose from or even to start your own, I think the campus is enriching and is a blossoming opportunity for all who seize the bull by the horns ! I understand a larger sum of graduating class goes on to graduate school so thats a good thing. I plan to do this myself :D
My experience overall here at Widener has been great. The writing center has been a big help to me as well as the career aid center and most all professors have been very accommodating when situations have expectantly come up etc. I can say I have learned a lot here and have grown as a person.
What are the most popular student activities/groups?
Among the most popular student activities I think are film nights we even have fashion shows from time to time... One of my favorite is what is called Alternative Spring Break where we travel to Orleans or other places hit hard by tragedy to help rebuild communities and lift up the lesser fortunate... also intramural sports and using the rock wall and trips to local landmarks just to name a few...
I like sitting physical classes this coming semester I am in the telescope lab ! Although online virtual classes are fine, I find i still excel in the walk-in 1:about 18 ratio classes they keep me really engaged !
the sports scene is intense. Ive made alot of friends because of regularly attending sports and working out at the wellness center...
Out football team is AWESOME !
I enjoy to cheer on the basketball team in "the DEN" ! :D
but many other sports are doing awesome I hear check it out for yourself here : http://widenerpride.com
Personally I LOVE the food and dining options ... very healthy food in the cafe .. it was just redesigned... everything is top notch !
http://www.campusdish.com/en-US/CSE/Widener/Locations/PrideCafe.htm
but theres also
Java City for snacks
Quiznos & Mac Street Grill for munchies
What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?
I guess Im outspoken by answering this question this way but although I dont like the idea of stereotyping at all, I believe every student fits in every setting on Widener's campus for the most part here at Widener really well. Certainly more than the cliques I had to deal with in high school. Every peer student is much more friendly and open because we all know we are pursuing the same end goals: Because we are all very civic minded I think that speaks to our philosophies and like mindedness to break down many contentious social issues other campuses may face :D Id say its VERY easy to make friends here and truly enriching as I find myself making close friends too!
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
98% of students attending Widener University receive some sort of financial aid.
28% were awarded federal grants.81%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.