Widener University
Chester, Pennsylvania
Founded in 1821, Widener University is a private, nonprofit institution known for its nationally ranked programs and deep commitment to each student’s personal and professional success. Widener’s educational network includes six schools and colleges—offering associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees—and law schools in Harrisburg, PA and Wilmington, DE. The university’s 40+ undergraduate majors span liberal arts, the sciences, nursing, engineering, and more, with several dual degrees and joint majors. No matter which program students pursue, they’ll benefit from the hallmarks of a Widener education: faculty mentorship, hands-on career preparation, and an inclusive community. When students graduate, they don’t just start their career; they continue the work they’ve been doing all along.
Widener’s 110-acre campus serves as a home away from home. From its 80+ student clubs to 24 Division III varsity teams (go Pride!) to the 300+ events held annually, there are countless opportunities for students to develop friendships, leadership abilities, and a sense of belonging. The university’s location in suburban Philadelphia provides easy access to the region’s top employers and world-class arts, culture, and history.
Get to know Widener University
College Highlights
Widener University’s students are active in both scholarship and service, evolving themselves and the community in which they live.
ON CAMPUS
- Widener manages $8-10 million annually in grant funding for research
- Pride Service Site Leadership Program prepares students for nonprofit careers
- 80+ student clubs promote a feeling of shared purpose—and fun!
IN THE COMMUNITY
- 79% of students participate in service or civic engagement—27% higher than the national average
- 66% of students complete internship or similar experience—14% higher than the national average
- Widener’s pro bono clinics, staffed by expert faculty and students in health care-centered programs, serve uninsured and underinsured members of the Chester community
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Non-U.S. Citizen: 1%
Hispanic/Latinx: 6%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 12%
White, non-Hispanic: 71%
Native/Indigenous American or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 0%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 3%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 3%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 3%
“It feels like you are part of a family, and every time I step on campus I feel like I’m right at home. I feel connected in a lot of different ways—here at Widener, there’s always students advertising their club or organization, so there’s always different ways you can get involved. The types of people who thrive at Widener are the ‘go-getters.’ The ones who go out, and work very hard, and try to seek out as many opportunities as they can.” — Anthony Pompilii, Communications major
Trailblazers in their respective fields, Widener University’s faculty are invested in students’ success. This means connecting them to internships and co-op sites, collaborating on research, and offering mentorship from the first day of class to well beyond graduation.
And because where students learn is just as important as what they learn, Widener’s campus is equipped with learning spaces tailored to mirror the evolving workplaces students will enter.
STATE-OF-THE-ART LEARNING SPACES
- Computer science facilities
- Finance lab
- Nanobio lab
- Nursing simulation lab
- Robotics engineering lab
- Taylor Arboretum
- Television production studio
- Widener observatory
“Professors are great about connecting what we learn in class to the real world. Social work is a broad field, involved in so many different domains. Widener has helped me take my academics and what I’ve learned in classes and apply it not just in the Chester community, but to the whole world in general.” — Hannah Berard, Social Work and Psychology major, discussing her internship at the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan
MANY ROARS. ONE PRIDE.
There’s a comfort and confidence that comes from unwavering support. At Widener University, students have an entire community behind them. Each person is a valued part of a welcoming, diverse group of learners who empower one another to step out of their comfort zone and ahead of the pack. As students develop cutting-edge skills and life-changing connections, friends and faculty mentors challenge their minds and celebrate their growth.
SCHOOL LOCATIONS
Just 20 minutes from downtown Philadelphia, Widener University’s campus in Chester, PA provides easy access to the region’s top employers and world-class arts, culture, and history. Outside Philly, the university is near numerous charming, picturesque towns with ample shopping and dining.
ATHLETICS
Widener University offers 24 varsity teams, 15+ intramural teams, and 6 club teams. The Widener Pride competes at the NCAA Division III level in the Middle Atlantic Conference.
“As a student, the Widener community has supported me in many ways. On many occasions, my professors have brought me snacks, helped me improve my study habits, and worked through my busy schedule. They genuinely care about their students and want to see them succeed. Additionally, Widener has provided me with some of the most supportive and understanding friends for me to lean on when the semester gets crazy or when stress levels rise. When I walk around campus, I feel as if I belong.” – Rebekah Barnhardt, Pre-Physical Therapy major
Students at Widener University begin building their resumes from day one. With an emphasis on
leadership development and participation in internships, co-ops, and research, real-world
experience provides graduates with the advantage they need to land their dream jobs—and
become leaders in their field.
CLASS OF 2024 CAREER SUCCESS
- Median starting salary: $67,800
- Median mid-career salary: $113,000
- 95% were employed, in grad school, or in military/other service within 6 months of
graduation
“While at Widener, I had my hand in a lot of different things, and that helped me not only to manage an intensive workload but also sharpen my skills in communicating and presenting. Performing research [and presenting at a national conference] helped me learn how to network and opened my eyes to what engineering looks like beyond the collegiate space.” – Shaylyn Westmoreland, 4+1 biomedical engineering student
Admission
TEST SCORES
Optional
FRESHMAN PROFILE
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 515 | 75th Percentile: 600
SAT Math
25th Percentile: 520 | 75th Percentile: 610
ACT Composite
25th Percentile: 20 | 75th Percentile: 26
ACT Math
25th Percentile: 18 | 75th Percentile: 26
ACT English
25th Percentile: 19 | 75th Percentile: 25
Tuition & Cost
Tuition: $47,770
Fees: $805
Room: $7,167
Board: $6,534
“When I am introducing myself to incoming students, it has always amazed me to talk about all of the amazing ways to get involved on campus. I use my own involvements as examples, but I always share about how my friends are all involved in different things as well. [Regarding] financial aid, honestly, me and my family didn’t know what we didn’t know when it came to appling and financing college. Widener was my most affordable option. I received multiple scholarships and am a part of the work study program here. I was able to apply to and be awarded endowed scholarships through the School of Business. Those, along with becoming a resident assistant, have reduced the cost even more.” – Donya Moore, Sport and Event Management major, Student Ambassador Tour Guide
Contact Widener University
Contact Admissions
www.widener.edu/admissions-aid/undergraduate-admissions
888-WIDENER
admissions.office@widener.edu
Campus Location
One University Place
Chester PA 19013
1-888-WIDENER