Academic Comparison between Pennsylvania Western and Widener

Pennsylvania Western University and Widener University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Pennsylvania Western is a four-year, public school located in California, PA and Widener 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.

  • Pennsylvania Western is a public and Widener is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Widener has more expensive tuition & fees ($55,730) than Pennsylvania Western ($16,054).
  • It is harder to admit to Widener than Pennsylvania Western.
  • Widener has a higher submitted SAT score (1,060) than Pennsylvania Western (1,060).
  • Pennsylvania Western has more students with 10,834 students while Widener has 5,713 students.
  • Widener has a lower number of students per faculty with 11 to 1 while Pennsylvania Western's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • Pennsylvania Western has more full-time faculties with 493 faculties while Widener has 276 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Pennsylvania Western Universityvs.Widener University
California, PennsylvaniaLocationChester, Pennsylvania
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationDoctoral / Research University
In-State$11,436
Out-Of-State$16,054
2025 Tuition & Fees$55,730
78%% Receiving Financial Aid93%
$8,709Average Amount of Financial Aid$40,208
94.33 %Acceptance Rates70.93 %
27.33 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)13.81 %
1,060SAT Score1,180
21ACT Score-
52 %Graduation Rate68 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate-
72 %Retention Rate78 %
10,834Student Population5,713
493Number of Faculties276
18 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio11 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services