Electrical Engineering at Widener University

Chester, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
60 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
62
Optimistic
60
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $82,611/yr (7% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Large (54,500 openings/yr)
ROI 3.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #240 of 262 Electrical programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Electrical Engineering graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $823K $788K $672K
Earnings Multiple 3.8x 3.7x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 78% 70% 48%
DegreeOutlook Score 62 60 56

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$214,552
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$121,880
43% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,500
3.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$90,156
9% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $82,611 at Widener University come in 7% above the national median of $77,516 for Electrical Engineering programs.

At 3.7x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 18% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Electrical Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $82,611 far exceeding the $26,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #240 ranking among 262 Electrical Engineering programs places Widener University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $82,611 to $90,156 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Widener University

Widener University accepts 84% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a smaller institution with 2,765 students in Chester, PA. The average net cost of $121,880 over four years represents a 43% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Widener University →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Computer hardware engineers $155,020/yr
Aerospace engineers $134,830/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Electrical Engineering at Other Schools

Other Majors at Widener University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 60/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Electrical Engineering at Widener University?
At 60/100, the score looks reasonable — but Electrical Engineering is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Electrical Engineering at Widener University?
The 56% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →