Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs Widener University

University Park, PA — Chester, PA

Metric
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA
Widener University
Chester, PA
Location University Park, PA Chester, PA
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 42,284 2,951
Acceptance Rate 60.6% 70.9%
SAT Average 1,337 1,180
In-State Tuition $20,644 $55,730
Out-of-State Tuition $41,790 $55,730
Avg Net Price $32,875 $25,759
Median Debt at Graduation $25,000 $27,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 85.9% 65.9%
Retention Rate 92.6% 78.4%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $55,620 $63,375
Median Earnings (10 yr) $63,435 $70,920
Loan Repayment Rate 3192600.0% 184000.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA
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Widener University
Chester, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and Widener University compare?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus (University Park, PA) has an acceptance rate of 60.6%, in-state tuition of $20,644, and median 10-year earnings of $63,435. Widener University (Chester, PA) has an acceptance rate of 70.9%, in-state tuition of $55,730, and median 10-year earnings of $70,920.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Widener University?
Widener University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $70,920 vs $63,435. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Widener University?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Widener University is the more affordable option at $25,759 per year versus $32,875.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 85.9% vs 65.9%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025