Widener University

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You're not just choosing a University - you're connecting with the mentors who will open doors to your career, the peers who will form your life-long network, and the experiences that will lay the foundation for your success.

Widener University is an innovative metropolitan university that combines academic quality with career preparation and a commitment to community service. A Widener education connects curricula to societal issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, personal attention, and experiential learning comprise the Widener experience.

Undergraduate academic programs

Note: Entry to a bachelor's degree is through the International First Year only. This specialized pathway will save you money, and if you need to improve your English, fast-track your preparation.

Meaningful hands-on experience is embedded into every program at Widener University. The majority of Widener students in all fields pursue an internship or fieldwork experience related to their major. Beyond the expected opportunities, Widener students are plunged into real-world practice through innovative programs in their disciplines - interning at Widener's Small Business Development Center, participating in faculty research, publishing or presenting their own research, and participating in service learning projects in the community.

The following majors are available through four International First Year pathways:

Graduate academic programs

Note: Entry to a master's degree is through the Pre-Master's program only. This specialized pathway for international students will improve your English and prepare you for graduate level study and the GRE/GMAT.

Master's in engineering:

• Biomedical Engineering, MEng
• Chemical Engineering, MEng
• Civil Engineering, MEng
• Electrical Engineering, MEng
• Engineering Management, MEng
• Mechanical Engineering, MEng

Master's in business:

Business Administration, MBA (accredited by AACSB International)
Concentrations include:

• MBA Business Process Innovation
• MBA Technology Management
• MBA Human Resource and Organizational Leadership
• MBA Enterprise Resource Planning
• MBA Hospitality Management

Taxation and Financial Planning, MS

Master's in hospitality

• MS Hospitality and Tourism

Student accommodation (included in fee for undergraduate students)

• On-campus accommodation for undergraduate students
• Assistance finding private accommodation very close to campus for graduate students
• 11 dormitory-style residence halls, 4 apartment buildings, and fraternity and sorority houses
• Most international students are housed in Sharples Hall
• Residence halls offer double rooms, and a bathroom shared between 4 students

All rooms at Widener are semi-furnished spaces, with beds, desks, and room-appropriate furniture. Suites in Widener's apartment buildings include kitchens with full-sized refrigerators and oven ranges, as well as in-suite baths. Graduate students can find comfortable and affordable accommodation near campus.

Student meal plan (included in price for undergraduate students)

There is a wide selection of food choices in the cafeteria that is conveniently located on campus. All freshmen must participate in an on-campus meal plan:

• 19 meals per week
• plus $100 dining dollars per semester
• meals are served at the Pride Cafe, an all-you-care-to-eat dining facility

Campus facilities and activities

• International student services: International Study Center, special advisor, ESL support
• Student clubs and organizations: 85+ from service groups to dance troupes, honor societies to club sports
• Sports: 20 varsity sports play in the Middle Atlantic Conference, plus intramural sports and club sports.
  Men's varsity teams: baseball, football, golf basketball, cross country, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field
  Women's varsity teams: field hockey, softball, volleyball basketball, cross country, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field
• Books in library: 217,995
• Computers: 720 for student use, Wi-Fi internet
• Student facilities: cafeteria, ATMs, campus store, food court, bank, post office, fitness center, aerobics room, rock climbing wall, athletic training facilities, gymnasium, weight room, field house, championship size swimming pool
• Special campus facilities: Observatory with 16-inch computer-driven telescope, Pennsylvania Military College History Museum, Widener Art Museum
• Security services: student shuttle bus that runs both on and off campus, emergency call boxes, campus security system, emergency notification system (E2Campus Alerts), bike patrol unit, evening student patrol, lighted walkways, card access control for residence halls

Campus description

The beautifully landscaped campus is located just south of Philadelphia. Widener University's commitment to student success begins on campus. Top notch facilities allow students to make the most of their American University experience, both in and out of the classroom.

Widener University has an array of clubs, student and community groups, as well as sports teams and academic leagues. In recognition of the University's work, Widener was named to the US President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll "with distinction". This award is the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for civic engagement and volunteerism. Widener has been given the honor every year since the award's inception in 2006. 75% of Widener students participate in community service or volunteer.

• Region: mid-Atlantic USA
• State: Pennsylvania
• Nearest large city: Philadelphia (20 minutes)
• Airport transfer on initial arrival from nearest airport: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) - 7 miles from campus
• Nearest train station: Chester (1 mile)
• Public transport: shuttle bus serves campus
• Climate: 4 distinct seasons

Widener University's picturesque campus is in Chester - a small city of 33,972 in the southeastern part of Pennsylvania state. The area offers a rich cultural history that includes a wide variety of academic institutions. Nearly 20 colleges are located within a 30 mile radius. The area has become known as The Knowledge Corridor, a gateway to 21st century academic excellence that provides the region with a well-educated workforce.

Premier location

Widener University is located in Chester, Pennsylvania, just minutes from central Philadelphia. The University, which sits on more than 45 sq. km of land, finds itself at the intersection of some of America's most culturally diverse and commercially vibrant metropolitan areas. With New York City just to the north, and Washington, DC, accessible to the south, Widener University has a prime location for travel within USA's mid-Atlantic region. Philadelphia, which played home to America's founding fathers, is a trove of history, culture, and American tradition. The city, with a population of over 4 million, is well-known for its welcoming vibe, living up to the name's meaning as "the city of brotherly love". With many top-tier universities, museums, and social attractions, Philadelphia has distinguished itself as a destination for innovation and academia. By all counts, Philadelphia is a perfect US city for international students.

An urban campus

While the Widener University campus is unquestionably geared towards university events, the school's proximity to Philadelphia allows students a variety of uniquely urban treats. Students are encouraged to explore Philadelphia and surrounding areas. Students often visit Philadelphia's museums, restaurants, and entertainment venues, which hold host to some of the world's most renowned exhibits, restaurateurs, speakers, and performers. The campus takes full advantage of the diverse environment of the Philadelphia metropolitan area.

Video of Widener University

Widener University News

• Prices are for programs starting in the 2012 -13 academic year
• US university fees are given in United States Dollars (USD). Canadian university fees are given in Canadian Dollars (CAD).
• Find out the price in your local currency using an online currency converter
• Prices are estimated and subject to change without notice 

International student grants

All undergraduate international students who enroll into Widener University in the 2012-13 academic year, through the International First Year, receive a 4-year grant of over $10,000* a year! To be eligible for the grant you must be accepted for admission to the International Study Center at Widener University.

The price of $25,000 per year for your bachelor's degree tuition will be held for all 4 years (8-semesters maximum). International students save over USD $45,000 for an undergraduate degree at a Top 200 ranked American university!

* compared to Widener University's published undergraduate tuition fee of $35,764 for direct entry.

Pricing details

The prices listed above are a combined total, showing the amount you will need to pay for university tuition, university facilities and services, accommodation and meals**, insurance coverage and airport transfer.

• Prices for preparation programs are for the entire program. The duration of these programs varies depending on your English level on entry.
• The undergraduate price is for the 2-semester International First Year. The same price is charged for each of the remaining 3 years of a bachelor's degree at Widener University.
• Graduate degree program prices are for the entire program, ** but do not include accommodation and meals. When you progress onto your master's program, fees are paid directly to the University.
• Download the Widener University pricelist ( PDF, 1.1MB)

Price breakdown

Below is a breakdown of the degree preparation program costs for international students:

Tuition fees

Mandatory and university fees

Accommodation and meal fees

Supplementary and admission fees

More information and advice

• Ask a question about American university fees
• Get information about payment, deposits and refunds
• Advice on finding grants and financial assistance