THE
PRIDE THE FORCES ARE UNDENIABLE:
THE PRIDE
A group of lions forming a social unit . Also: The university mascot.
And also: The unrivaled sense of belonging and support shared across the Widener community.
The guidance of faculty mentors who show you the ropes within their industry (and yours!).
Programs built for the future with flexible degree paths so you can customize your focus.
Classes taught exclusively by faculty, never teaching assistants.
And the energy of a campus community where you’re known— and your goals are the top priority.
WHEN YOU LEAVE HERE AND BEGIN YOUR CAREER, YOU’LL FEEL AS THOUGH YOU’VE BEEN WORKING IN IT ALL ALONG.
BUT IN THE MEANTIME . . .
WELCOME!
CHESTER CAMPUS
Home to most undergraduate programs, 20+ NCAA Division III men’s and women’s teams, 80+ clubs and organizations, a warm community, and boundless pride. Campuses in Wilmington, DE, and Harrisburg, PA, house Widener’s two law schools.
CHESTER, PA
Our surrounding community (and the oldest city in Pennsylvania) has a lively art scene, dozens of civic partnerships, Widener’s student-run interprofessional health clinics, and a learning lab for teachers in training.
MEDIA, PA
Diverse and neighborly, this nearby suburb offers parks, festivals, concerts, 5-star restaurants, shopping, and plenty of businesses and organizations where Widener students hold co-ops and internships. The Media motto: Everybody’s Hometown.
PHILADELPHIA
Take a 20-minute train or car ride to Philadelphia. The nation’s sixth-largest city fuels real-world learning opportunities with relevance to any degree path—creating direct pathways to jobs after graduation.
THIS CAMPUS ENVELOPS YOU.
YOU’LL FEEL THE ENERGY AROUND YOU. BUT IF YOU NEED TO FIND A QUIET SPOT OF YOUR OWN, YOU CAN CLAIM IT.
It’s inviting and accommodating. Walkable and comfortable. You’ll be taken in by tree-lined pathways that join state-of-the-art and historic buildings—whether you’re hustling to a club meeting or relaxing in an Adirondack chair with a cup of Starbucks coffee.
HERE, YOU’LL FEEL AS IF YOU’RE AT THE CENTER OF EVERYTHING.
A BACKYARD FOR TRYING ON YOUR CAREER
Widener’s proximity to Philadelphia provides a built-in advantage for your education. Home to the sixthlargest workforce in the nation, it’s a vital center of commerce and an engine of civic engagement opportunity. Meaning: a nearby resource where you can gain invaluable experience through internships and co-ops.
1,000+
organizations provide internship, clinic, co-op, and public service opportunities for Widener students each year.
The university’s connections—forged through faculty and alumni partnerships—make Philadelphia a hub for experiential learning opportunities and the perfect place to set yourself apart while staying close to your second home.
RECENT INTERNSHIP, CO-OP, AND CLINICAL SITES
Boeing Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
Comcast EisnerAmper
Main Line Health
MassMutual
Merck
Monroe Energy
Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Union (Widener is the official university of the team and offers student internships)
Vanguard
66% of Widener students complete a practicum, internship, or other hands-on experience compared to 52% of students at other colleges.
WHAT THE WORLD FEELS LIKE.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR EXPERIENCE.
• Complete a paid business, engineering, or computer science co-op and still graduate in four years
• Plan your class schedule around a varsity sport
• Study abroad (even in majors such as nursing and education)
WIDENER’S ACADEMIC PROGRAMS MIRROR THE PROFESSIONS YOU’RE ABOUT TO ENTER.
Guided by faculty devoted to your success—and through program-specific leadership development experiences—you’ll gain qualities and skills that set you apart from others in your field.
EXCEPT IT’S ALL RIGHT HERE.
FUELING PROFESSIONS
In addition to longstanding and nationally recognized programs in business, engineering, and nursing, Widener continues to launch new undergraduate programs in areas that meet the needs of a dynamic economy and workforce.
RECENT NEW PROGRAMS:
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT
GREEN CHEMISTRY
ROBOTICS ENGINEERING
SPORT & EVENT MANAGEMENT
FOR THE LIST OF WIDENER’S 40+ MAJORS.
PROGRAMS POWERHOUSE
WE BELIEVE THAT WORKING INSIDE YOUR CHOSEN FIELD SHOULD BEGIN WHILE YOU’RE HERE.
The coursework. The mentoring. And the environments. Resources here mirror the workplaces that you’ll enter. So does the research you’ll conduct with faculty mentors. It’s how you’ll gain the type of hands-on experience that’s coveted, and rewarded, in any professional field.
LEARNING SPACES ON THE LEADING EDGE
FINANCE LAB
Assess real-time investment data and trading simulations via Bloomberg technology.
NANOBIO LAB
Connect to and engage in research advancing treatments against Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.
NURSING SIMULATION LAB
Develop next-level decision-making and critical thinking in realistic clinical settings.
TELEVISION PRODUCTION STUDIO
Polish your skills in front of or behind the camera in the fully equipped studio that’s home to WUTV, Widener Sports Network, and WUFilms.
COMPUTER SCIENCE FACILITIES
Gain hands-on experience in three studentmanaged computer laboratories.
WIDENER OBSERVATORY
Perform research right on campus through the observatory’s 16-inch computerized Meade Cassegrain reflecting telescope.
TAYLOR ARBORETUM
Conduct environmental research in a 30-acre outdoor laboratory.
CHESTER COMMUNITY CLINIC
Prepare for clinical practice while providing pro bono occupational and physical therapy services.
Scholars, engineers, clinicians, and entrepreneurs, our professors are deeply connected to their industries, infusing their teaching with the latest trends, technologies, and research, preparing students to be not just ready, but a step ahead when they hit the workplace.
PILLARS OF PRIDE:
WHAT YOU CAN COUNT ON FROM YOUR PROFESSORS HERE
ONGOING MENTORSHIP
We are not held back by conventional educational models. Our bold and proven approach puts you at the center. Seems obvious, right? The results are anything but. You’ll be challenged and supported by dedicated professors and alumni who provide the personal attention you need to unlock your full potential.
THAT SOUND YOU HEAR IS
FEEDBACK
Widener professors—along with a peer mentor, student affairs liaison, and librarian—form a Personal Student Success Team that will guide your development.
This support continues on mysuccess.widener.edu, where you’ll find services, tools, and resources that will help you thrive in and out of the classroom.
DEEP WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
You’ll be known and understood in the “fullness” of your personality, character, and aspirations. Like so many students before you, you’ll feel ready to achieve your personal and professional goals.
THE INSIDE TRACK
This advantage stems in part from the reputations of our professors and alumni within their fields—and their eagerness to initiate the types of connections that will jumpstart your career.
ENJOY MORE THAN A VIEW
110 ACRES.
100+ BUILDINGS.
17 RESIDENCE HALLS.
1 ARBORETUM.
20,000 SQUARE FEET OF RECREATION CENTER SPACE.
A STORIED 200+ YEAR HERITAGE.
AN EVEN MORE AMBITIOUS FUTURE.
LET YOURVOICE BE HEARD.
YES, THIS CAMPUS PRESENTS A STUNNING SURROUND.
But here, a community waits to support your interests and passions—the ones you arrive with and the new ones you take for a test drive.
THAT’S WHAT SECOND FAMILIES ARE FOR.
LIKE A SECOND HOME WITH AN EVENTS CALENDAR
Social equity and justice, religious and spiritual, club sports and fitness, academic and professional—here, we have many student groups for you to get involved.
SCAN HERE FOR A LIST OF THE MORE THAN 80 CAMPUS ORGANIZATIONS.
THE GOAL: THRIVES EVERY STUDENT
FIND YOUR PERFECT PLACE HERE.
As a Widener student, each part of your experience is connected: friends and faculty, activities and academics, campus and city. And on this campus, the comforts of home—in your hall, apartment, or campus house—remind you that this university has a welcoming personality. Yes, you’re likely to get on a first-name basis with the culinary staff, including our award-winning chef.
AMONG THE CAMPUS DINING OPTIONS
AUNTIE ANNE’S PRETZELS
BENTO SUSHI
CINNABON BAKERY
FRESHENS (smoothies, sandwiches, salads)
MOE’S SOUTHWEST GRILL PRIDE CAFÉ
STARBUCKS
UNO PIZZERIA & GRILL AND MORE ...
Widener’s certified dietician on campus is available to help work with students to navigate any individual dietary needs.
CHECK OUT @WIDENERDINING on Instagram and see how we spotlight the accomplishments of women culinarians, celebrate black culinary excellence, and organize food events ranging from crab feasts to Meatless Mondays.
THE RESULT:
LIMITLESS
OPPORTUNITIES
FEEL LIKE A LOCAL WHILE GAINING A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE.
One-of-a-kind experiences and uncommon ideas are everyday occurrences when you have world-class museums, culture, and restaurants all within reach. And a student body that hails from across the country and around the globe,who each bring a distinct worldview with them. And weekly, if not daily, opportunities to engage in multidisciplinary campus events.
AT THE INTERSECTION OF ALL THESE AVENUES, THE SCOPE AND FULLNESS OF YOUR WIDENER EXPERIENCE COMES INTO FOCUS.
300+
Events held on campus annually
89% of first-year students live on campus
6,000+
Places to eat in Philadelphia, which outpaces New York City in restaurants per capita.
PHOTO
BE PART OF AND MAKE A BIGGER IMPACT. SOMETHING BIGGER
Widener student organizations exist to make the biggest positive impact possible. Whether as a member of one of the university’s 19 fraternities and sororities whose missions include serving the community, or one of the many student organizations focused on civic engagement and community service, you’ll do good, build lifelong relationships, and test your leadership skills.
79% of Widener undergraduates participate in service or civic engagement—27% above the national average.
IN GREAT COMPANY CREATE 80+
From courses to ensembles to clubs and organizations, the arts at Widener extend the sense of community belonging and university pride. Through a range of programming, opportunities, and venues, you can develop your personal creative expression and hone your critical thinking and analytical skills—qualities with lasting professional value. And you’ll work and create alongside friends and peers from every corner of the university, collaborating and cultivating lifelong bonds.
Clubs and organizations on campus to fuel your passions and find your people.
PRACTICE YOUR CRAFT BEYOND THE CLASSROOM.
A snapshot of organizations and performance groups dedicated to the arts on campus:
FRESHBAKED THEATRE COMPANY
GOSPEL CHOIR
JAZZ ENSEMBLE
KEEPIN’ IT TRILL (A CAPPELLA GROUP)
MARCHING BAND & COLOR GUARD
PRIDE PACK DANCE TEAM
THE LONE BRICK THEATRE COMPANY
WIDENER DANCE COMPANY
WIND ENSEMBLE
WIDENER INK
THROUGH
Mens sana in corpore sano
SOUND MIND
OUR BELIEF IN BALANCE IS EVEN IN OUR SCHOOL MOTTO.
Join a club team (from ice hockey to rugby). Form an intramural squad with a group of friends. Or stay active in a group fitness class—many are run by Widener students (taekwondo, anyone?).
Our 20,000-square-foot Pride Recreation Center also houses a championship-size, eight-lane swimming pool. It’s the doing that matters
SOUND BODY
THE WIDER WORLD WITHIN YOUR REACH
INVESTED IN YOUR PERSONAL SUCCESS
NEARLY
100% OF NEW STUDENTS RECEIVE SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL AID THAT REDUCES OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS.
FIRST-YEAR UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS START AT OVER FOUR YEARS.
$100,000
100% COMPLETE A 12-MONTH CO-OP AND GRADUATE IN FOUR YEARS (MOST SCHOOLS REQUIRE A 5TH YEAR)
96% OF 2023 GRADUATES ACHIEVED THEIR INTENDED CAREER GOALS WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF GRADUATION.
CREATING BOUNDLESS POSSIBILITIES
$67,600 MEDIAN EARLY-CAREER SALARY.*
$113,800 MID-CAREER SALARY FOR WIDENER ALUMNI WITH A BACHELOR’S DEGREE.*
AT A GLANCE
CHARACTER
Private university founded in 1821. Designated as a “Doctoral/Professional University” by Carnegie Classification— underscoring the university’s annual investment in research—with undergraduate (the largest enrollment within the university), graduate, and adult and continuing studies programs.
ENROLLMENT
2,800+ undergraduate students contribute to a total enrollment of more than 5,600 across Widener’s three campuses.
FAST TRACK TO A MASTER’S DEGREE
Through the Accelerated Advantage 4+1 program, all undergraduates in any major can complete a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in five years.
FOUR-YEAR CO-OP PROGRAM
100 percent of Widener students who complete a 12-month co-op graduate in four years—as opposed to peer institutions that require a fifth year. Co-op—a full-time, paid, work experience in your field of professional focus—is offered for business, engineering, and computer science students.
PRE-PROFESSIONAL PATHWAYS
• Pre-Dentistry
• Pre-Law
• Pre-Medicine
• Pre-Occupational Therapy
• Pre-Pharmacy
• Pre-Physical Therapy
• Pre-Veterinary
For a complete list of majors and concentrations, visit widener.edu/majors
ADVISING
Advisors are committed to the personal and professional development of each student. Personal Student Success Teams are anchored by faculty and peer mentors and available to all first-year undergraduate students, allowing for a built-in, collaborative network of support to handle the transition to college.
LOCATION
Chester, PA, 14 miles south of Philadelphia on a stunning, pedestrian-friendly, 110acre campus. Leading-edge facilities and resources and unparalleled access to professional development opportunities and world-class culture in the nation’s sixth-largest city.
Free, daily, and frequent universityprovided transportation to and from multiple Philadelphia destinations.
ON-CAMPUS LIVING
89% of first-year students reside on campus. Housing for undergraduate students in one of 17 residence halls and Living Learning Communities (LLC), formed around specific majors or shared interests such as sustainability and social justice.
11 TO 1
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT-TO-FACULTY RATIO
100%
CLASSES TAUGHT BY WIDENER FACULTY, NEVER BY TEACHING ASSISTANTS (as of August 2024)
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Two colleges (Arts & Sciences, Health & Human Services) and three schools (Business Administration, Engineering, Nursing) offering more than 40 undergraduate majors and 50 minors. The university is also home to Widener Law Commonwealth and Widener Delaware Law.
CAREER DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT
Featuring one-on-one planning and career strategy development with an assigned career counselor. Discipline-specific networking events. Partnerships with faculty with deep industry connections.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
66% of students complete a practicum, internship, or other hands-on experience.
80+ clubs and organizations and more than 300 annual on-campus events. Nearly 25% of Widener students participate in Greek Life.
Numerous on-campus eateries supply a diverse, healthy variety of food choices.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Wide range of club and intramural sports. 20,000-square-foot Pride Recreation Center with more than 150 exercise machines and daily group fitness classes taught by certified instructors.
VISITING CAMPUS
Campus visits are strongly encouraged. We offer a variety of ways to get to know us. Schedule your visit at widener.edu/visitus
ADMISSIONS
No application fee. Our test-optional admissions process allows students to submit either an admissions essay or standardized test scores. Letters of recommendation are optional. The university’s admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis, meaning applications are evaluated as they are received. A non-binding Early Action (EA) option is available. Along with an early admissions decision, EA enables early consideration for merit awards and priority release of financial aid offers, including need-based awards.
Apply online or by adding Widener on the Common Application. Visit widener.edu/apply
Deadlines
November 1: Early Action November—May 1: Rolling
FINANCIAL AID
Nearly 100% of new undergrad students receive significant financial aid offers. To help students and their families manage costs, Widener awards as much as $20 million each year in the form of academic scholarships and financial aid grants. First-year undergrad merit scholarships start at $100,000 over four years.
To apply for aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov.
The Office of Financial Aid Services is available to help you navigate the financial aid process and make a Widener degree accessible. You can contact a member of the team at 610-499-4161 or finaidmc@widener.edu.
CONTACT
Please be in touch.
We’re here to answer your questions: Undergraduate Admissions Office Muller Hall
One University Place Chester, PA 19013
Tel: 888-WIDENER
Email: admissions.office@widener.edu
ONE UNIVERSITY PLACE, CHESTER, PA 19013
1-888-WIDENER ( 943-3637 ]
WIDENER.EDU
