Widener University
Chester, Pennsylvania 19013-5792
Data last updated: May 29, 2026
Campus Vibe
Strong graduate outcomes — known for health sciences
Widener University is a private institution in Chester with particular strength in health sciences and engineering. With an average SAT of 1170, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 2.8K undergraduates with a 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.
64% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $70,920 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $30,470.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1170
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
27.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
4.0%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$24,567
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
21
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (141)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
78%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Pioneers
History & Fun Facts
- •History 19th century Old Main and Chemistry Building Widener University was founded in 1821 as the Bullock School for Boys preparatory school in Wilmington, Delaware, by John Bullock.
- •Bullock operated the school until 1846 when it was sold to Samuel Alsop and renamed the Alsop School for Boys.
- •In 1853, the school was sold to Theodore Hyatt and renamed the Hyatt's Select School for Boys, and again in 1859 to the Delaware Military Academy.
- •In 1862, the school moved to West Chester, Pennsylvania.
- •By act of assembly on April 8, 1862, the Pennsylvania legislature incorporated the school as a university under the name of Chester County Military Academy.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from PA state average + suburban adjustment
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
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