Widener University
Chester, Pennsylvania 19013-5792
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
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.
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
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1170
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
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
Programs (141)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
78%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
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).
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
Plan Your Visit
Days out near Chester
NewTwo or three colleges you can see in one day around Holmes, from real bookable tour times.
- DeSales University · Kutztown University of PennsylvaniaPublic and private17 days
- Bryn Athyn College of the New Church · Cheyney University of PennsylvaniaVery small colleges13 days