Analysis
Widener's Health Professions bachelor's finds itself squarely in the middle of Pennsylvania's competitive landscape. Similar programs across the state suggest first-year earnings around $40,700—placing it just above the national median for this degree but well below what Pittsburgh's program ($44,500) and especially Saint Joseph's Lancaster campus ($70,500) achieve. The $27,000 estimated debt load translates to roughly two-thirds of that first year's paycheck, which is manageable but not generous.
The wide variation among PA programs—from Lancaster's $70,000 to La Roche's $29,000—highlights how much the specific concentration and credential within "Health Professions" matters. This umbrella category can include everything from health administration to clinical roles, and your child's actual career path will determine whether these state-level estimates apply. Pennsylvania's health sector offers strong opportunities, but the specific track they choose at Widener will likely matter more than these broad program averages suggest.
If your child is eyeing a clinical role that requires graduate study anyway, this represents a reasonable foundation. If they're planning to enter the workforce immediately after the bachelor's, push for clarity on what specific jobs Widener's graduates in their intended concentration actually secure—not just generic program outcomes.
Where Widener University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health professions bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Health Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Widener UniversityChester | $53,638 | $40,682* | — | $27,000* | — |
 Saint Joseph's University - LancasterLancaster | $31,866 | $70,566* | — | $27,801* | 0.39 |
 University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh | $21,524 | $44,545* | — | $25,239* | 0.57 |
| Saint Joseph's University - PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia | $51,340 | $36,819* | $70,368 | $26,576* | 0.72 |
 La Roche UniversityPittsburgh | $33,120 | $29,678* | — | $26,000* | 0.88 |
| National Median | — | $38,492* | — | $26,000* | 0.68 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Widener University, approximately 25% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 4 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.