Academic Comparison between Penn State and Widener University

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and Widener University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Penn State is a four-year, public school located in University Park, PA and Widener University is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Chester, PA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Penn State is a public and Widener University is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Widener University has more expensive tuition & fees ($53,638) than Penn State ($40,188).
  • It is harder to admit to Penn State than Widener University.
  • Penn State has a higher submitted SAT score (1,310) than Widener University (1,170).
  • Penn State has more students with 50,028 students while Widener University has 5,416 students.
  • Widener University has a lower number of students per faculty with 11 to 1 while Penn State's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • Penn State has more full-time faculties with 2,994 faculties while Widener University has 263 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campusvs.Widener University
University Park, PennsylvaniaLocationChester, Pennsylvania
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationDoctoral / Research University
In-State$20,234
Out-Of-State$40,188
2024 Tuition & Fees$53,638
56%% Receiving Financial Aid98%
$11,574Average Amount of Financial Aid$27,379
54.00 %Acceptance Rates84.00 %
19.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)15.00 %
1,310SAT Score1,170
29ACT Score-
83 %Graduation Rate67 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate25 %
91 %Retention Rate75 %
50,028Student Population5,416
2,994Number of Faculties263
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio11 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services