Deciding which college to attend can be a challenging process, as each institution offers unique benefits and opportunities. In this article, we will compare two schools with distinct characteristics: Widener University and Sarah Lawrence College. By examining their costs, admissions processes, academic offerings, and many other factors, you will gain a better understanding of which school might be the best fit for you.
Widener University Overview
Widener University, located in Chester, Pennsylvania, is a private university with a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. With its emphasis on leadership development, civic engagement, and practical experience, Widener prepares students for success both inside and outside of the classroom.
Widener University Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Widener University for the 2021-2022 academic year is $47,328. Room and board, fees, and other expenses bring the total cost of attendance to approximately $64,410 per year. Financial aid is available to eligible students, with 99% of full-time undergraduate students receiving some form of financial assistance.
Widener University Admissions
Admission to Widener University is considered moderately difficult, with an acceptance rate of 69%. Applicants are expected to submit high school transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), letters of recommendation, and a personal statement or essay. The average SAT score for admitted students is between 1060 and 1230, and the average ACT score is between 21 and 27.
Widener University Degrees Offered
Widener University offers over 60 undergraduate majors, more than 40 minors, and numerous graduate and professional programs. Students can choose from a wide array of disciplines, including engineering, nursing, business, psychology, and liberal arts.
Widener University Academics
Widener University’s approach to academics emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world experiences. The university offers numerous opportunities for research, internships, and other experiential learning programs. The student-faculty ratio is 13:1, allowing for personalized attention and support from faculty members.
Widener University Diversity
Widener University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. Approximately 43% of undergraduate students identify as members of a racial or ethnic minority. Additionally, the university offers various resources and programs to support and celebrate diversity, such as the Multicultural Student Affairs office and the Pride Activities Council.
Widener University Students
Widener University has a total enrollment of approximately 6,300 students, with around 3,300 undergraduate students and 3,000 graduate and professional students. The student body is diverse, with students representing 35 states and 22 countries.
Widener University Campus
Widener University’s 108-acre suburban campus is located just 14 miles south of Philadelphia, offering students easy access to the cultural and professional opportunities in the city. The campus features a blend of historic and modern buildings, green spaces, and state-of-the-art facilities, including the recently renovated University Center and the new Science Center.
Widener University Alumni
Widener University boasts a strong network of over 50,000 alumni who have gone on to achieve success in various fields. Some notable alumni include Robert J. Mawhinney, the founder of Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, and John A. Nagl, a retired U.S. Army officer and counterinsurgency expert.
Widener University Rankings
Widener University is ranked #217 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report for 2021. Additionally, the university is recognized for its engineering, nursing, and business programs.
Widener University Outcomes
Widener University graduates have a strong track record of success, with 94% of graduates either employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Widener alumni is $51,000 per year.
Sarah Lawrence College Overview
Sarah Lawrence College, located in Bronxville, New York, is a private liberal arts college known for its distinctive approach to education. With a focus on small classes, one-on-one conferences with faculty, and interdisciplinary study, Sarah Lawrence provides students with a highly personalized and intellectually rigorous education.
Sarah Lawrence College Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Sarah Lawrence College for the 2021-2022 academic year is $58,334. Room and board, fees, and other expenses bring the total cost of attendance to approximately $76,624 per year. Financial aid is available to eligible students, with nearly 90% of full-time undergraduate students receiving some form of financial assistance.
Sarah Lawrence College Admissions
Admission to Sarah Lawrence College is considered very difficult, with an acceptance rate of 53%. Applicants are required to submit high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement or essay. While standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) are optional, they can be submitted for consideration. The average SAT score for admitted students is between 1270 and 1440, and the average ACT score is between 28 and 32.
Sarah Lawrence College Degrees Offered
Sarah Lawrence College offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a focus on the liberal arts, performing arts, and social sciences. Undergraduate students have the flexibility to design their own course of study, guided by faculty advisors and structured around individual interests and passions.
Sarah Lawrence College Academics
One of the unique aspects of Sarah Lawrence’s academics is its seminar-conference model, in which students participate in small, discussion-based classes and engage in one-on-one conferences with professors. This approach fosters close relationships between students and faculty, as well as a deep engagement with course material. The student-faculty ratio is 9:1.
Sarah Lawrence College Diversity
Sarah Lawrence College is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion within its campus community. Approximately 33% of undergraduate students identify as members of a racial or ethnic minority. The college also offers various resources and programs to support diversity, including the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and the Student Diversity Coalition.
Sarah Lawrence College Students
Sarah Lawrence College has a total enrollment of approximately 1,700 students, with around 1,400 undergraduate students and 300 graduate students. The student body is diverse, with students representing 47 states and 34 countries.
Sarah Lawrence College Campus
Sarah Lawrence College’s 44-acre suburban campus is located just 15 miles north of New York City, providing students with easy access to the cultural and professional opportunities in the city. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, wooded areas, and open green spaces.
Sarah Lawrence College Alumni
Sarah Lawrence College has a distinguished list of alumni, including actress and singer Yvette Nicole Brown, writer and director J.J. Abrams, and fashion designer Vera Wang.
Sarah Lawrence College Rankings
Sarah Lawrence College is ranked #81 in National Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News & World Report for 2021.
Sarah Lawrence College Outcome
Sarah Lawrence College graduates have a strong track record of success, with 96% of graduates either employed or enrolled in graduate school within one year of graduation. The average starting salary for Sarah Lawrence alumni is $48,000 per year.
Widener University vs Sarah Lawrence College Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Widener University and Sarah Lawrence College, there is a significant difference in tuition and total cost of attendance. Widener University’s tuition for the 2021-2022 academic year is $47,328, while Sarah Lawrence College’s tuition is $58,334. The total cost of attendance at Widener is approximately $64,410 per year, whereas Sarah Lawrence’s total cost is around $76,624 per year.
Both schools offer financial aid to eligible students, and a large percentage of students at each institution receive some form of assistance. At Widener University, 99% of full-time undergraduate students receive financial aid, compared to nearly 90% of students at Sarah Lawrence College.
Widener University vs Sarah Lawrence College Admissions Difficulty
The admissions process at both Widener University and Sarah Lawrence College is competitive, although Sarah Lawrence is considered more difficult to get into, with an acceptance rate of 53%. Widener University has a slightly higher acceptance rate of 69%.
Both schools require high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement or essay as part of the application process. While standardized test scores are required at Widener University, they are optional at Sarah Lawrence College.
Widener University vs Sarah Lawrence College Academic Difficulty
Widener University and Sarah Lawrence College both offer rigorous academic programs, but they approach education differently. Widener emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world experiences, while Sarah Lawrence focuses on small classes, one-on-one conferences with faculty, and interdisciplinary study.
The student-faculty ratio at Widener University is 13:1, which allows for personalized attention from faculty members. At Sarah Lawrence College, the ratio is even lower at 9:1, fostering close relationships between students and professors.
Both schools offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with Widener having a more extensive selection of majors and Sarah Lawrence providing greater flexibility for students to design their own course of study.
Widener University vs Sarah Lawrence College Outcome Comparison
Graduates from both Widener University and Sarah Lawrence College have a strong track record of success, with the majority of alumni either employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months to one year of graduation. However, Widener University graduates have a slightly higher starting salary on average, at $51,000 per year compared to $48,000 for Sarah Lawrence alumni.
Ultimately, choosing between Widener University and Sarah Lawrence College depends on factors such as cost, admissions difficulty, and academic preferences. Both schools offer unique benefits and opportunities, so it is essential to carefully consider which institution aligns best with your goals and values.
