Widener University vs Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology: which has better ROI?
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology has the better ROI: it clears its 2-year net cost of $28,208 in 4.5 years versus 4.6 years at Widener University, on median earnings of $54,681 vs $70,920 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Widener University | Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $25,759 | $14,104 |
| Total net cost | $103,036 | $28,208 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $70,920 | $54,681 |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $9,990 |
| Payback | 4.6 yrs | 4.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $348,164 | $98,212 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Widener University or Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology?
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, at $14,104 a year after aid versus $25,759 — a gap of $11,655 a year, or $74,828 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Widener University or Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology graduates earn more?
Widener University graduates report a median $70,920 ten years after entry, $16,239 more than the $54,681 at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Widener University or Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology?
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology: its completers carry a median $9,990 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Widener University, a difference of $17,010. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
71% of students finish at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, against 68% at Widener University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.