North Central College vs. Widener University

Comparable Facts

Compare North Central College in Naperville, IL with Widener University in Chester, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Widener University is larger than North Central College based on total student enrollment (5,713 students vs. 3,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

North Central College vs. Widener University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Central College 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 North Central College than Widener University ($23,276 vs. $26,778).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Central College are 11.1% lower than at Widener University ($14,688 vs. $16,530).
• Widener University is 21.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Central College (about $10,004 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $45,726.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.9% higher at Widener University than at North Central College (about $10,004 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $45,726.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at North Central College as at Widener University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Widener University students is 28.3% larger than aid received by North Central College students ($43,706 vs. $34,056).

North Central College vs. Widener University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, North Central College 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 North Central College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Widener University (1190) is 10 points higher than at North Central College (1180).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Central College 1055/1310; Widener University 1080/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Central College 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Central College - Test optional; Widener University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Central College Apr 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman North Central College students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Widener University (3.46).
• North Central College has a higher acceptance rate (77.3%) than Widener University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.6% at North Central College vs. 13.8% at Widener University.

North Central College vs. Widener University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Central College 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).

• North Central College's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Widener University's (54%).
• Graduates from Widener University earn a median of about $10,600 more per year than North Central College graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,500 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Central College graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Widener University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, North Central College graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Widener University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More North Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Widener University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 68%)

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.