William Carey University vs. Widener University

Comparable Facts

Compare William Carey University in Hattiesburg, 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 William Carey University based on total student enrollment (5,713 students vs. 5,321 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• William Carey University is located in Hattiesburg, MS (Small City setting); Widener University is in Chester, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• William Carey University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Widener University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: William Carey University 14:1; Widener University 11:1.

William Carey University vs. Widener University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, William Carey 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 William Carey University than Widener University ($15,469 vs. $26,778).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at William Carey University are 51% lower than at Widener University ($8,094 vs. $16,530).
• Widener University is 260% more expensive for in-state tuition than William Carey University (about $40,250 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $15,480.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 260% higher at Widener University than at William Carey University (about $40,250 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $15,480.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at William Carey University as at Widener University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Widener University students is 198.9% larger than aid received by William Carey University students ($43,706 vs. $14,621).

William Carey University vs. Widener University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, William Carey 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 William Carey University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Widener University (1190) is 20 points higher than at William Carey University (1170).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: William Carey University 1040/1290; Widener University 1080/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: William Carey University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: William Carey University - Required; Widener University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman William Carey University students have the same average high school GPA (3.46) as students at Widener University (3.46).
• Widener University has a higher acceptance rate (70.9%) than William Carey University (60.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 48.3% at William Carey University vs. 13.8% at Widener University.

William Carey University vs. Widener University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for William Carey 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 William Carey University's (51%).
• Graduates from Widener University earn a median of about $18,600 more per year than William Carey University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,500 vs. $40,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, William Carey University graduates have a $6,808 lower median loan debt than Widener University graduates ($20,192 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, William Carey University graduates have an estimated $71 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Widener University graduates ($208 vs. $279).
• More Widener University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former William Carey 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.