Exploring Widener University's Student Population And Campus Life

Widener University is a private, metropolitan university with a Chester, Pennsylvania campus, that includes six colleges and schools, and two distinct law schools in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Wilmington, Delaware. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,811 students as of Fall 2023. The gender distribution among undergraduate students is 39.6% male and 60.3% female, with a student-faculty ratio of 8:1.

The university has around 3,000 undergraduate students

Widener University is a small private university with around 3,000 undergraduate students and a total student population of over 6,000. The university's Chester, Pennsylvania campus is home to most of its undergraduate students, with the remainder studying at two other campuses in Harrisburg and Wilmington.

The university offers a variety of undergraduate programs, including liberal arts, business, engineering, and nursing, with a total of 40+ undergraduate majors. The university has a low student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1 or 12:1, depending on the source, allowing for more individualised attention and support for its students. The small class sizes, with 60% of all classes containing fewer than 20 students, further contribute to the university's focus on personalised education.

Widener University's undergraduate programs are highly sought-after, with a selective admissions process and an acceptance rate of 84%. The university's appeal extends beyond its academic offerings, with a vibrant campus life that includes over 80 clubs and numerous athletic teams, fostering a strong sense of community and engagement among its students.

The university's commitment to its students is evident in the resources and support provided. Students have access to career services and gain hands-on career preparation through internships and other experiential learning opportunities. The university also offers generous financial aid, with 95% of undergraduate students receiving financial assistance.

There are more female students than male students

Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania, has a higher number of female students than male students. The gender distribution of the student body is 39.6% male and 60.3% female, according to figures from fall 2023. This translates to a male-female ratio of 0.8:1 among full-time undergraduates.

The total undergraduate enrollment at Widener University is 2,811, with 48% of students living in college-owned or affiliated housing and 52% living off-campus. The university offers 40+ undergraduate majors and 50+ minors, with a student-faculty ratio of 17:1 or 8:1.

Widener University is a private, metropolitan university with a campus in Chester, Pennsylvania, that includes six colleges and schools, as well as two distinct law schools in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Wilmington, Delaware. The university offers a range of degree programs and is classified as a "Doctoral/Professional University" and a “Community Engagement Institution."

Most students live off campus

Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania, has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,811 as of Fall 2023. The private, metropolitan university, which was founded in 1821, has a campus size of 108 acres.

The university requires all full-time undergraduate students in their first and second years to live in on-campus housing unless they are living at their permanent address with their parents or guardians. Students who live with their parents or guardians within 25 miles of the university or their co-op, internship, or student teaching location qualify for commuter status and are not required to live on campus.

Despite the university's requirement for first- and second-year students to live on campus, 52% of students live off campus. This is partly because married students, students with dependent children, students with at least two years of military service, and students aged 24 or older are exempt from the on-campus housing policy.

The university offers a variety of residence hall options, including traditional communities with corridor bathroom access, suite-style with semi-private bathrooms, and apartment-style communities. Housing is guaranteed for all undergraduate students and is offered during the academic year and summer sessions. The walkable campus ensures that all residence halls are only a few minutes away from classes, dining facilities, the Pride Recreation Center, administrative offices, and other campus resources.

Living on campus provides students with easy access to resources and activities, which can lead to better grades, higher graduation rates, and more time with friends. The university also has a student-run Residence Hall Association that plans various programs and activities, including the campus tradition, Late Night Breakfast.

The university offers a wide range of degree types

Widener University offers a wide range of degree types, including associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The university's academic offerings include over 50 undergraduate majors, 40 minors, and more than 30 graduate programs of study. The university is classified among "Doctoral/Professional Universities" and offers programs in a variety of fields across liberal arts, business, engineering, nursing, and health and human service professional programs.

The College of Arts & Sciences, for example, offers majors such as Communication Studies, Computer Science/Information Systems, Creative Writing, Criminal Justice, and Digital Media Informatics. The College also offers a range of pre-professional pathways, including pre-law and pre-medical.

The College of Health & Human Services provides programs such as Elementary Education & Special Education, while the School of Business offers degrees in Business Analytics, International Business, and Sport & Event Management.

The School of Engineering has a variety of engineering disciplines, including Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Robotics Engineering. Notably, Widener offers Pennsylvania's first undergraduate Robotics Engineering major.

The School of Nursing, ranked 7th in Pennsylvania among private colleges, provides a range of nursing programs, including leadership and post-graduate certificates.

In addition to these, Widener University also has a School of Law, as well as the School of Education, Innovation, and Continuing Studies. The university's graduate programs include the School of Business Administration, the School of Nursing, and the School of Education, Innovation, and Continuing Studies.

Widener University also offers Adult & Continuing Studies programs designed for adult learners and degree completers, with flexible delivery formats, including in-person, 100% online, and hybrid programs.

The university has a low student-faculty ratio

Widener University is a small, private university with a low student-faculty ratio of 8:1 or 12:1, depending on the source. This means that students benefit from a high level of faculty support and a personalised education. The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,811 (fall 2023), with 48% living in college-owned or affiliated housing and 52% living off-campus. The gender distribution is 39.6% male students and 60.3% female students.

The low student-faculty ratio at Widener University enables small class sizes, with 60% of all classes containing fewer than 20 students. This allows faculty members to give individual attention to each student and make them a priority. The university offers a range of academic programs, including more than 40 undergraduate majors, 50 minors, and over 30 graduate programs. The university's commitment to small class sizes and personalised education is reflected in its ranking of 55th in the category "Highest Proportion of Classes Under 20 Students" by U.S. News & World Report.

The university's faculty members are highly qualified, with 90% holding doctorates or the highest degree in their field. This means that students are taught by experts in their respective disciplines, contributing to the high-quality education offered at Widener University. The university's academic offerings are diverse, spanning liberal arts, business, engineering, nursing, and a variety of health and human service professional programs.

In addition to its low student-faculty ratio, Widener University also stands out for its focus on hands-on career preparation. The university prioritises experiential learning, with 79% of undergraduates participating in service or civic engagement, and 79% of Widener seniors having completed a practicum, internship, or other hands-on experience. This focus on practical education ensures that graduates are well-prepared for their future careers.

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