At a Glance
Widener University is a small private nonprofit university in Chester, PA. Approximately 2,951 undergraduates are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 71% acceptance rate. The nearest beach is about 22 miles from campus. Ski resorts are within 29 miles of campus. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 47/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)
SAT Evidence-Based Reading
SAT Math
Location
Chester, PA
Campus Identity
Widener University is a small private nonprofit university in Chester, PA. Approximately 2,951 undergraduates are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 71% acceptance rate. The nearest beach is about 22 miles from campus. Ski resorts are within 29 miles of campus. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 47/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
Follow Along
@wideneruniv
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Campus Lifestyle
Widener University is a 5,000–9,999, suburban school with NCAA D3 athletics and a moderate greek life Greek scene. The campus is 22 miles from Oakwood Beach, NJ and 29 miles from Spring Mountain Ski Area.
Athletics
NCAA D3
Middle Atlantic Commonwealth
School Size & Setting
5,000–9,999
Suburban setting
Beach Access
22 miles
Oakwood Beach, NJ
Weather
Warm Climate
50°F avg school-year
Greek Life at Widener University
At Widener University, 8% of men are in a fraternity and 14% of women are in a sorority. That is a modest Greek presence. Chapters are active, but most students are not affiliated. Figures come from the institution’s reported Greek system data. Recruitment timing and chapter counts vary year to year, so check the student life office for the current season.
8%
Men in fraternities
14%
Women in sororities
Moderate Greek Life
Greek life scale
Nearby Ski Resorts
Widener University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Spring Mountain Ski Area, 29 miles away with 6 lifts and 45 skiable acres. All are within 65 miles of campus.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Nearest Beach
Students at Widener University are 22 miles from Oakwood Beach, NJ.
Oakwood Beach, NJ
Ocean access within 22.0 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Chester, PA
Chester has a mild climate, with winters averaging 35°F in Jan and summers peaking around 80°F in Jul.
Station: MARCUS HOOK · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
Widener University in PA earns a composite safety score of 47/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $55,730 |
| Fees | $982 |
| Room & Board | $16,530 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $73,242 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
150 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Widener University located?
Widener University is located in Chester, PA. The main campus address is One University Place, Chester, PA. It is a private institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at Widener University?
Widener University has an acceptance rate of 71%, making it moderately selective. Out of 9,350 applicants, 6,632 were admitted in the most recent year. 2,951 enrolled.
How many students attend Widener University?
Widener University enrolls 2,951 undergraduates. That figure counts degree-seeking undergraduate students across all years, not just the incoming class, and it excludes graduate students. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
How much does it cost to attend Widener University?
For the 2024-25 academic year, Widener University charges $55,730/year in tuition. Including room and board ($16,530/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $49,706/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $25,759/year — what students actually pay. Use Widener University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What NCAA division is Widener University in?
Widener University competes in NCAA Division III, part of the Middle Atlantic Commonwealth. Division III programs compete without athletic scholarships and emphasize academics alongside varsity sport.
What percentage of students at Widener University are in Greek life?
At Widener University, 8% of men are in a fraternity and 14% of women are in a sorority. That is a modest Greek presence. Chapters exist and are active, but most students are not affiliated. Figures come from the institution's reported Greek system data. Recruitment timing and chapter counts vary year to year, so check the school's student life office for the current season.
Is Widener University the right fit for me?
Whether Widener University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (71% admit rate), avg net price ($25,759/year after aid), campus culture in Chester, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Widener University against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Widener University directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Private
- Location
- Chester, PA
- Size
- 5,000–9,999
- Degrees Offered
- Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Certificates
- NCAA
- NCAA D3
- Conference
- Middle Atlantic Commonwealth
- School Year Weather
- Warm · 50°F avg
- On Campus Safety Score
- 47/100
- Nearest Airport
- Philadelphia, PA (PHL) · 6 mialso ILG (18 mi), PNE (24 mi)