Widener University
Widener University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Widener University at a Glance
Widener University is a private university in Chester, Pennsylvania, United States. Established in 1821, the university was known as the Pennsylvania Military College until 1972. Widener enrolls approximately 3,500 undergraduate students across six colleges and schools. The university also operates two distinct law schools in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Wilmington, Delaware. Widener is named in honor of Eleanor Elkins Widener.
1821
205 years old
$122M
$122.3 million (2025)
6,464
3,204 undergrad · 3,260 grad
326
108 acres
Identity
Is Widener University Worth It?
Widener University offers moderate value at $25,759/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $70,920, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 66% graduation rate means roughly 34% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Widener University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in PA
Ranked #28 of 92 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of St Francis | 81 | $13,006 | $63,926 |
| #2 | University of Detroit Mercy | 79 | $15,232 | $71,030 |
| #3 | Carroll University | 67 | $15,193 | $58,009 |
| #4 | Ohio Northern University | 62 | $24,478 | $80,928 |
| #5 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #6 | Pacific Lutheran University | 60 | $19,589 | $66,990 |
| #28 | Widener University | 45 | $25,759 | $70,920 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Widener University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 12 in PA.
Best Programs at Widener University
The highest-earning program at Widener University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $67,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at $32,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Widener University earns $67,000, while a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduate earns $32,000. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $25,759/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $67,000 | $67,000 | $27,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $60,900 | $60,900 | $27,000 |
| Civil Engineering | $57,600 | $57,600 | $27,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $47,300 | $47,300 | $27,000 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $42,200 | $42,200 | $26,000 |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other | $41,200 | $41,200 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $37,200 | $37,200 | $28,500 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $36,900 | $36,900 | $28,250 |
| Biology, General | $32,700 | $32,700 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General | $32,300 | $32,300 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $32,000 | $32,000 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in PA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Chester, PA
- Student Body
- 2,951 students
- Admission Rate
- 71%
- Graduation Rate
- 66%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $25,759
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $70,920
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000