Widener University

Good: While the professors may be hard, they are not lacking in credentials. Many are extremely nice outside the classroom and willing to clarify any student inquiries. Law school is hard wherever you go and the professor expect a lot from you, but with hard work and their help, you will be able to survive. Some professors are fantastic and a real joy to learn from.. Bad: Dean of Students (Dean Sealing) is not only unhelpful, but has no idea what his job is. The administration is horrible, except for the Bursar and Registrar. Financial Aid (Jennifer Allen) is rarely there and even if she is present, she is not helpful. If you do well in this school, the administration will do all they can to keep you. (Good luck transferring to a better school.) Widener also provides you with the worst curve possible.. Improvements: New administration. More help for students.. Other: Don't park in Dean Meadows parking spot. She will kill you verbally, regardless if you pay for her salary.. more

Other reviewer was 2005. It's now $35,000 per year, without books. Good professors generally, but most only help those who do well. Graduating class is 1/3-1/4 of first year's class population. Not a great reputation and no job placement for most graduates. Adjuncts, however, are extremely impressive and very good. If you can go no where else, then go here. Otherwise, bad idea. more

Widener University Law at Harrisburg is a small campus consisting of 3 buildings (classroom, bookstore, administration). The courses are a small size - no more than 35 per class in my experience. The professors are good, most well educated, and very personable and approachable. It was nice to attend a school where everyone, to include the dean, knew you by name. The downfall to Widener is the return on investment. With a tuition cost that is nearing $18k per year (IN state), and not so impressive job placement or bar passage rates, I wonder how the average Widener grad is able to pay for their education. Considering that it is dangling at the bottom of the 4th tier, I am curious as to how they justify such high costs. With a few rare exceptions, the administration is usually a nightmare. Good school if you can't get into one that's better, or if they give you a full scholarship. more