About Widener University

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 Rate69%
Application Deadline
Application Fee35
SAT Range930-1130
ACT Range21-26

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”
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”
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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    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.

Widener University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Widener University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Widener University is 69%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.

  2. 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.

    Read all 63 answers

  3. 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.

    Read all 15 answers

  4. 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.

    Read all 13 answers

  5. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    The worse thing about my school is the lack of teacher and advisor availability.

    Read all 13 answers

  6. What's unique about your campus?

    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.

    Read all 12 answers

  7. Describe the students at your school.

    My classmates are intelligent, intellectual people from different backgrounds their approach to learning in class is a learning experience in itself for me.

    Read all 11 answers

  8. What kind of person should attend this school?

    Everyone should attend Widener University. The school is open to all walks of life and does not have a specific "click" that attends the school.

    Read all 9 answers

  9. 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

    Read all 8 answers

  10. 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.

    Read all 7 answers

  11. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    engineering and Nursing

    Read all 6 answers

  12. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    The fact that I write poetry for my assignments. Thats amazing to me.

    Read all 5 answers

  13. 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.

    Read all 4 answers

  14. What are the academics like at your school?

    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

    Read all 2 answers

  15. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    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.

    Read all 2 answers

  16. 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...

    Read all 1 answers

  17. What are your classes like?

    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 !

    Read all 1 answers

  18. Tell us about the sports scene on campus.

    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

    Read all 1 answers

  19. Tell us about the food and dining options.

    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

    Read all 1 answers

  20. Why did you decide to go to this school?

    location, people and prowess to explore the Majors I intended to pursue

    Read all 1 answers

  21. 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!

    Read all 1 answers

Student Body

Students

56%

female

44%

male

3,597

Total Undergrad Enrollment

2,805

Total Grad Students

42%

Out-Of-State

58%

In-State

N/A

International

Organizations

99

Student Organizations

7

Fraternities

5

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

34%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
4%
% Black or African-American
12%
% Hispanic/Latino
5%
% White or Caucasian
70%

TUITION & AID

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.

Cost Out of State

$42,870

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,300

Books and Supplies

$14,424

Room and Board

58,594

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$26,481
$30 - $48K
$25,888
$48 - $75K
$25,998
$75 - $110K
$27,508
$110K & UP
$29,672

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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