Belhaven University vs. Widener University

Comparable Facts

Compare Belhaven University in Jackson, MS with Widener University in Chester, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Widener University is larger than Belhaven University based on total student enrollment (5,713 students vs. 4,213 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Belhaven University is located in Jackson, MS (Midsize City setting); Widener University is in Chester, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Belhaven University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Widener University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Belhaven University 12:1; Widener University 11:1.

Belhaven University vs. Widener University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Belhaven University or Widener University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Belhaven University than Widener University ($16,299 vs. $26,778).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Belhaven University are 40.7% lower than at Widener University ($9,800 vs. $16,530).
• Widener University is 84.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Belhaven University (about $25,480 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $30,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 84.2% higher at Widener University than at Belhaven University (about $25,480 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $30,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Widener University than at Belhaven University (100% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Widener University students is 85% larger than aid received by Belhaven University students ($43,706 vs. $23,625).

Belhaven University vs. Widener University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Belhaven University or Widener University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Widener University and Belhaven University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Widener University (1190) is 40 points higher than at Belhaven University (1150).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Belhaven University 1010/1298; Widener University 1080/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Belhaven University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Belhaven University - Test optional; Widener University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Belhaven University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Widener University (3.46).
• Widener University has a higher acceptance rate (70.9%) than Belhaven University (49.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.5% at Belhaven University vs. 13.8% at Widener University.

Belhaven University vs. Widener University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Belhaven University and Widener University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Widener University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Belhaven University's (48%).
• Graduates from Widener University earn a median of about $18,600 more per year than Belhaven University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,500 vs. $40,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Widener University graduates have a $1,402 lower median loan debt than Belhaven University graduates ($27,000 vs. $28,402).
• Among borrowers, Widener University graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Belhaven University graduates ($279 vs. $293).
• More Widener University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Belhaven University students, three years after graduation. (68% vs. 47%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.