Academic Programs & Learning

Widener University

What About Academic Quality?

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

11:1

Average students per faculty member

👨‍🏫

Full-Time Retention

78%

Students continuing to second year

📈

Part-Time Retention

67%

Part-time students continuing

📊

Understanding Academic Quality Metrics

Student-Faculty Ratio: A ratio of 11:1 means there are approximately 11 students for every faculty member. This low ratio typically allows for more individualized attention and smaller class sizes.

Retention Rates: These show the percentage of students who return for their second year. Higher retention rates typically indicate student satisfaction, academic support, and program quality.

Graduation Rate Survey Cohort: 83% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.

Who Teaches Here?

Total Teaching Staff
276
Instructional faculty
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
11:1
Students per instructor
Faculty Diversity
27%
Underrepresented minorities

Tenure Status

Tenured (18%) Non-Tenure (5%) Other

Academic Ranks

Associate Professors18
Assistant Professors39
Instructors & Lecturers7
Other Instructional Staff212

Understanding Faculty Composition

Widener University employs 276 instructional staff members. About 18% hold tenured positions. The mix of ranked faculty and instructors supports diverse learning experiences.

Where Do Online Students Come From?

Geographic distribution of students enrolled exclusively in online courses (Fall 2023 census)

Undergraduate (2,811 enrolled)
174
exclusively online (6.2%)
Same state 128 (73.6%)
Other US states 46 (26.4%)
Graduate (2,799 enrolled)
905
exclusively online (32.3%)
Same state 530 (58.6%)
Other US states 365 (40.3%)
Outside US 10 (1.1%)
ℹ️

About this data: The geographic breakdown above uses IPEDS Fall Enrollment census data, which captures a single-day snapshot. The enrollment figures in the "How Do Students Learn?" section above use 12-month unduplicated headcount, which typically shows higher numbers as it covers the full academic year. Both are official IPEDS data — they measure different things.

74% of Widener University's exclusively online undergraduates are located in PA. At the graduate level, 40% study from other US states, suggesting strong national demand for online graduate programs.

What Is the Academic Load?

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis

3,663
Total FTE
2,525
Undergraduate FTE
1,138
Graduate FTE

FTE Distribution

Undergraduate FTE
2,525 (68.9%)
Graduate FTE
1,138 (31.1%)

FTE Analysis

Study Intensity:65.3% FTE ratio indicates many students attend part-time

Academic Load: FTE represents the equivalent of full-time students based on credit hours, helping compare institutional capacity regardless of part-time enrollment.

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) measures the total student enrollment adjusted for course load. One FTE represents a student taking a full course load, while two half-time students equal one FTE. This metric helps compare institutional size and resource allocation across different schools.

How Intensively Do Students Study?

Student Enrollment Intensity

The Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) ratio shows the average course load intensity. An FTE ratio of 1.0 means all students attend full-time, while lower values indicate more part-time enrollment.

65.3%
FTE Ratio
Intensity LevelModerate

A mix of full-time and part-time students, offering flexibility for those balancing work, family, and education.

Undergraduate FTE
2,525
Graduate FTE
1,138
Total FTE
3,663
Headcount
5,610

FTE represents student enrollment adjusted for course load. Two half-time students equal 1 FTE.

FTE Ratio Scale

< 0.5
Low
0.5-0.65
Mod-Low
0.65-0.8
Moderate
0.8-0.95
High
≥ 0.95
Very High

The enrollment intensity shows how committed students are to their studies. Higher FTE ratios indicate more full-time students and intensive programs, while lower ratios suggest flexible scheduling that accommodates working professionals and students with other responsibilities. This information helps you understand whether the institution caters to traditional full-time students or offers more flexibility for adult learners.

Academic Support & Resources

Academic Advising

Students have access to academic advisors who can help with course selection, degree planning, and career guidance. Contact the admissions office to learn about advising services.

Student Success Services

Many institutions offer tutoring, study groups, and academic success workshops. These resources help students develop study skills and overcome academic challenges.

For detailed information about academic support services, tutoring hours, and learning resources, contact Widener University directly at 6104994000 or visit their website .

Key Academic Highlights

  • Student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1 supports personalized learning
  • 276 instructional staff with 18% holding tenured positions
  • Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
  • Online students from PA and beyond (26% out-of-state)

Ready to Learn More About Academics at Widener University?

Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.

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