Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Chester, Pennsylvania |
| Online | widener.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Large Suburban |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Widener University's main campus is located in Chester, Pennsylvania, approximately 14 miles south of Philadelphia along the I-95 corridor. The suburban campus spans 108 acres and features a mix of historic Victorian and modern academic buildings, centered around the iconic Old Main, which dates back to the institution's founding as Pennsylvania Military College in 1821. Originally established as a military college, Widener transitioned to civilian education in 1972 and now operates as a private university offering undergraduate and graduate programs across eight schools and colleges. The university maintains strong academic programs in engineering, nursing, business, and law, with the law school operating from a separate campus in nearby Delaware. Widener provides on-campus housing through traditional residence halls and apartment-style accommodations, primarily serving undergraduate students, and competes in NCAA Division III athletics as the Pride.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Widener University-Main Campus is rated within the top 41% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Widener University Main Campus within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#415 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#297 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#32 in Best Colleges in Pennsylvania
#30 in Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania
#433 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#39 in Best Value Colleges in Pennsylvania
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1050/1260 |
| GPA | 3.46 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,408 |
| Other Fees | $1,040 |
| Room and Board | $15,530 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $1,890 |
| Total One Year Cost | $72,466 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 28% |
| Health Professions | 23% |
| Engineering | 11% |
| Psychology | 8% |
| Education | 5% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Widener University-Main Campus are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=216852 IPEDS survey data for Widener University Main Campus.
Current students may use the Widener University Main Campus GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025