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Clarion University of Pennsylvania Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Clarion University of Pennsylvania reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Clarion University of Pennsylvania reviews, or contribute your own Clarion University of Pennsylvania review if you're a current student there.

  • 8 out of 9 people found this review useful.

    Alex from Sandy Lake, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    All of my professors have been more than willing to explain what they are teaching multiple times until everyone in the class is on the same page.
    Am enjoying being here

    Clarion has many different clubs and intramural programs, so everyone can find something to do that they enjoy.
    Tips for prospective students

    Expect a good bit of rain and snow.

    Don't be afraid to get out and look for different activities. Many exist, but they won't always just appear out of thin air for you; you need to look for them.
    Great for these types of students

    Anyone who likes a quiet, less populated area should be right at home in Clarion.
    Those who enjoy walking will love the campus.

  • 6 out of 6 people found this review useful.

    Kaitlyn from Pleasanton, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I love all of my classes. So far none of my classes have been too challenging, but you can still learn a lot. The small class sizes make it really easy to interact with other students and the professors. The teachers are also really accommodating and typically encourage discussions and questions.
    Am enjoying being here

    I am from out-of-state, but I like being away from home and enjoying a whole new experience. I was homesick at first but the more involved I become the easier it became to be away from home. It's a little hard to meet people at first but it becomes a lot easier as the semester goes on. All of the clubs and programs at Clarion are great and there really is something available for everyone.
    Bang for the buck

    Compared to colleges in my home state, Clarion is reasonably priced. They offered me a scholarship right off the bat and considering all of the resources available on campus and the quality of education provided, Clarion is well worth the cost.
    Tips for prospective students

    -Having a car on campus is a lot easier than taking the bus!
    -Get flex points with your meal plans. They really come in handy and the food at the Gemmell Student Complex [where you can use flex points to pay] is a lot better than it is as Eagle Commons.
    -Get snow boots early, because it can snow as early as October.
    -Rent your books instead of buying them from the bookstore. Most of your textbooks you won't want to keep and you don't even get half of their original price when you try and sell them back.
    Great for these types of students

    -Considering that the campus is pretty small and most people leave for the weekend or already know a lot of people, it is a better campus for students who are outgoing and aren't afraid to meet new people and are ore outgoing.
    -People who really want to get involved. Joining clubs or programs is so easy at Clarion.
    -Anyone who isn't bothered by the snow/rain/hills.
    -Loving the outdoors really comes in handy at Clarion. Clarion County is beautiful and it's great to go out to the Clarion River or Cook Forest with friends and unwind.

  • 4 out of 5 people found this review useful.

    Jackie from Coolspring, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I believe that I have learned a lot in my first semester at Clarion. The class sizes are small enough that you can ask questions and have personalized learning but also large enough to keep you from feeling singled out during discussions and activities. Classes teach you useful information that you can put toward your major and the teachers and faculty are friendly and respectful. Many professors are willing to spend extra time during office hours to meet with you and provide extra assistance. As long as you are willing to put forth effort, most professors will do their best to help you succeed.
    Am enjoying being here

    Despite its small size, I enjoy attending college in Clarion. There isn't much to do in the town, but the UAB provides different performances for the students. In addition, the dorms organize different activities and projects for residents to take part in. Being in a small town also helps you focus on grades and join the many campus clubs and activities. Although there isn't much to do in Clarion, my friends and I have found ways to pass the time with sled riding, snowball fights, and going to the recreation center. ALF is also a big event for Clarion students.
    Bang for the buck

    Because Clarion is a University of Pennsylvania, it is among the most affordable colleges in Pennsylvania. Clarion is also a very good school for education majors. Its programs are thorough and will give you the education you need in order to succeed in your career. If you have a lower budget or cannot afford to spend a lot on college, Clarion is a good choice.
    Tips for prospective students

    The best tips I could give for perspective students are:
    -Be prepared to walk a lot. Clarion is built on a hill and most of your day will be spent climbing it.
    -Make sure your willing to be creative and able to find alternative things to do. Although there is a decent cinema and a couple other places nearby, if you don't have a car there isn't much to do(especially in the winter.)
    -Clarion gets COLD in the winter so come back from Thanksgiving break with winter coats, boots, gloves, hats, scarves, and anything else to keep warm.

    Great for these types of students

    Clarion is great for students that enjoy small towns or want to get away from the hustle and bustle of a city. Also, anyone pursuing an education or speech pathology major may want to check out Clarion's programs. Clarion is also great for students with a smaller budget or looking to get a good education without setting themselves too far back financially.

  • 5 out of 7 people found this review useful.

    Dominic from Hermitage, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I've learned something new everyday.
    Am enjoying being here

    I love being at college but I know that it can always be better.
    Bang for the buck

    This was one of the main reasons I came here. Clarion is an excellent value.
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure you check all of your possible options first then if you feel comfortable then make the best of what you have.
    Great for these types of students

    I think Clarion is great for almost anyone. I like being in the college-town atmosphere.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Jeri from Dubois, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    In my first year I really haven't learned too much. It's been a lot of review type stuff.
    Am enjoying being here

    It's a nice environment, not too big, not too small.
    Bang for the buck

    I think it's way too expensive but comparing to a lot of friends I know at different schools it's really not toooo bad.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be open-minded. Do not listen to what you're friends say. Visit and see for yourself if you like it.
    Great for these types of students

    Teachers or speech pathologists.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Megan from Latrobe, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    - Get flex points with your meal plan. You will have more meal options, and you can use them at Starbucks AND Gemmell Student Complex!
    - Don't sit around in your dorm room. Get out and go explore Clarion.
    - Make sure you have some extra spending money. You never know when you may get the munchies. There are stores and restaurants on Main Street.
    - If you have a vehicle and are allowed to bring it to campus, do it! Otherwise you will be stuck walking everywhere. Either that, or riding the bus.
    - Get involved in at least one club or activity. It's a great way to make new friends!

    Academic Rigor

    All of my professors have been great, so far. Small class sizes are a huge plus for me. Some of my professors even knew me by name. If you need to contact a professor, e-mail them. They will e-mail you back.
    Dorm Life

    I really wasn't sure how I would feel about living in a dorm, let alone a dorm filled with girls. BUT, I LOVE it! Probably one of the best decisions I've made so far.
    Here are the different options for on-campus living:
    - All girl dorm / all boy dorm (keep in mind, guys are allowed in the girls dorm and vice versa)
    - Unisex dorms
    - Campus Suites
    - Rhinehard (apartments owned by Clarion University)
    Food and Dining

    Usually the food is pretty good. If you aren't a picky eater you should be fine! Here are some of your options on & around campus.
    - Dining Hall: Usually, the food is pretty good here. With a lot of variety. Sometimes though, you strike out & can't find anything.
    - Gemmell Student Center: Has burgers, chicken, fries, subs, pizza, etc. Always a great alternative to the dining hall food.
    - Starbucks/Gemmell Grinds: Starbucks is located DIRECTLY on campus, and there is also another coffee/drink place in Gemmell.
    - Ice Cream Shop: Inside of Gemmell there is also an ice cream shop that is open in the evenings.

    - Outside of Clarion University: There are tons of places! Within walking distance there is Domino's, Subway, Wendy's, McDonald's, Bob's Subs, Vinny's Pizza, Captain Loomis, Daddy's, The County Seat, The New Deli, Michelle's Cafe & KFC.
    If you have a car or want to take the bus there are some more options of: Pizza Hut, Eat n Park, Taco Bell, Perkins, Applebee's, Cozumel, Long John Silver's and more!
    What to do for fun

    - Join an organization or club! You will make a lot of friends here.
    - In the fall, go to the football games.
    - Don't miss out on going down to the Autumn Leaf Festival (ALF) in October.
    Bang for the buck

    It's one of the most affordable schools in all of Pennsylvania. It's very well known for its education majors. You still get the same education (if not better) than at a college that is triple the price.
    Great for these types of students

    Great for students who don't want to be in a small school, and don't want to be in a large school. Clarion is right in the middle. Not too big, but not too small either. Also, great for people who enjoy the small town feel, yet still within an hour or so from a major city. Clarion is also great for student's who have a smaller budget, but still want to get a real college experience.
    Clubs and Activities

    There are tons of clubs and activities on campus. I heard there is well over 100. Find something that interests you, and join it! Make friends with the same interests as you.
    Campus Safety

    Campus Safety is great! There are always cops out patrolling around campus. There are emergency alert buttons all around campus.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Katie from McMurray, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The professors at Clarion University are some of the best. I'm a library science student, and one of our cataloging professors is one of the best in the country, and he's here at Clarion! We have a TON of different majors and minors, and each semester there's always a couple of really interesting classes offered; right now, I'm in a paranormal studies class, and it counts towards my science requirement! Clarion is definitely the place to be if you're looking for a low-cost but high-education school.
    Am enjoying being here

    Clarion is so much fun! The University Activities Board has started doing programs every Thursday through Saturday night, so there's ALWAYS something to do on the weekend. We have speakers and comedians from all over the country, and we even get entertainers that are famous nationwide; Ke$ha, the Rascal Flatts, and Blink 182 have all performed at our school, and we bring in someone new every spring! There's always something fun to do, especially if you get involved with campus clubs and activities.
    Bang for the buck

    For Pennsylvania residents Clarion is almost a steal. We have awesome professors who are as qualified as the profs in ivy league schools, and we have them for a fraction of the price! The dining hall is all-you-can-eat, and there's a bunch of other places on and around campus if you get sick of the cafeteria food. Just stay away from the all-girls and all-boys dorms - they haven't been renovated in quite some time, and they're not as nice as the other dormitories on campus.
    Tips for prospective students

    Buy some rain gear! I always joke that we only have two types of weather here: rain and snow. Don't come here if you like never-ending sunshine and warm weather - sunny days are rare. Also, be sure to have spending money; Main Street is FULL of cute little boutiques and awesome restaurants, and you're definitely going to want to try them at some point.
    Great for these types of students

    Clarion is known for its education, library science, business, and communications programs. Our other programs are good, too, but these four are probably our best.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Hayley from Waynesboro, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I am a Theater major and I never realized there was so much to learn. Not only am I advancing my knowledge through my studies, I am also learning responsibility of being on my own.
    Am enjoying being here

    There wasn't anyone that I knew coming to Clarion after high school graduation. I have met and become fast friends with several people. The town of Clarion is comforting in its size and the people are friendly.
    Bang for the buck

    Coming to a state school compared to a private school has been a savings. The finance department at Clarion has been very helpful.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you are looking for a school that isn't in a big city and gives you an at home feeling, Clarion is the school for you. Clarion is a quaint town with friendly people. Many restaurant, churches and stores are within walking distance of the school and for the further destinations, there is transportation provided at Clarion.
    Great for these types of students

    If you are looking to study Theater, Library Science, or having a teaching career in mind, Clarion is a school you should take a look at.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Zack from Marietta, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    So far I'm in mostly introduction courses so a lot of what I have been doing is just a review of my senior year but i know with the start of the next semester I will be getting into new subjects and more into my major. Most of the teachers seem to enjoy being here and they are always there for you.
    Am enjoying being here

    I wasn't sure how much I would like being so far away from home but Clarion does a great job making students feel at home here. There is a bunch of stuff to do every weekend.
    Bang for the buck

    I'm in the business school and its great. The business school has AACSB accreditation which is the same as Pitt, PSU and other schools who's tuition is almost double Clarions.
    Tips for prospective students

    Don't be nervous for your first few classes. Bring a jacket! even if its hot when you move in the weather can change so much day to day and one day it can be 50 then the next it can be 30. Also, bring a tube to go sledding, so much fun!
    Great for these types of students

    Anyone who likes the outdoors. Tons of stuff to do outside, mountain bike, run, frisbee, rugby, track, basketball, and anything else you can think of. Its not a huge university but its not really that small either.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Sara from Cheswick, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    This campus is a really great place to go to get a good yet affordable education. The class rooms have been updated a lot and have very comfortable learning environments. The professors are understanding and are willing to help you, so long as you put in the effort too. Clarion's a great university!
    Am enjoying being here

    I LOVE being here, so far this year is the best year yet. This campus has so many different things to do it's unbelievable! Get involved and you'll be sure to have a great time.
    Bang for the buck

    I feel like I am paying almost next to nothing for a great university and great education.
    Tips for prospective students

    Get involved on campus, have a good time, and work hard. Clarion is a great university.
    Great for these types of students

    I think that this is a good school for business, to meet new people, and it's a great school for art students. The professors are very well educated.

  • 2 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    Maria from North Versailles, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Each day I attend classes there is something new to learn. For some of the classes I took in high school, the courses here have been a great review. I'm very excited to learn more and get the fullest out of the education the university is providing me.
    Am enjoying being here

    I am one to get home sick very fast. For the hour and forty five minutes, it's still close that I could go home every weekend if I wanted to. My roommates are the best and we always find something fun to do. It's not a big town but if you take the time to look, you'll find something that sparks your interest.
    Bang for the buck

    It is a little pricey, but if you take the time to look for scholarships and get help through that it will work out great.
    Tips for prospective students

    In my experience, my parents really pushed for Clarion. I love it here but it wasn't my first choice. Make sure you take the time to decide what you really need in a college experience. The teacher to student ratio is small and the campus isn't so big it's overwhelming as well as not so little that you still have that hike in the morning. Do what's best for you whether it's Clarion or another school. Where ever you go try and avoid the 8am classes..they're rough on Monday mornings!

  • 0 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Colleen from Farrell, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES TAKE DR. THOMAS' INTRO TO WORLD GEOGRAPHY CLASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Great for these types of students

    Speech Pathology and Audiology Majors- 100% placement rate after graduate school

  • 0 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    Stephanie from Arona, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am enjoying being here

    Even with the cold weather, Clarion is a beautiful campus!
    Tips for prospective students

    Go to the campuses before you make your choice. Always seeing buildings can get boring.

  • 0 out of 4 people found this review useful.

    Emily from Clearfield, PA

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • 1 out of 7 people found this review useful.

    Jennifer from Collingdale, PA

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • Zachary from Junedale, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    the setting is quiet, but not too quiet, which allows for a social life and the ability to focus on your education. the food is great, especially for a college. professors are the best!
    Tips for prospective students

    don't be afraid to stay on the phone for an hour or so talking to many different people from the school. they will gladly answer any questions you have, so it's always a big help. if you'd like to focus on your education with personal attention from the professors, clarion is a top pick, especially since it's a state school with many students.
    Academic Rigor

    any business major will have to take a few classes in a few different fields in business, but will still take around 24-30 credits for your major, specifically. math and computer competencies will be acquired through required courses. upper level business courses may introduce other computer programs. gen eds are pretty much the same as any where else.
    Dorm Life

    traditional residence halls are more for freshman, they're interactive and provide some great oppurtunites for meeting people. the suites are alot more expensive but you get what you pay for. better for upperclassmen since they allow for more privacy. own bathroom and living room.
    Food and Dining

    the food is great, deffinately better than alot of other schools. however, no on-campus options after about 9 or 10 at night.
    What to do for fun

    the university does a great job of putting together activities for students. movies and events on the weekends. little stuff during the week. always somethin to do on campus along those lines. not much goin on outside of campus.
    Bang for the buck

    tuition isn't that high, but your bill could be if you're in the suites so be prepared. budget bites in the food court offers some good food for some low prices.
    Great for these types of students

    somebody that wants to focus on their education and still have a social life. quiet campus but not too quiet. allows you to have stuff to do and have fun while still being able to focus on your classes without going crazy.
    Campus Safety

    the campus is extremely safe. you never hear of any rapes or assaults or drug busts or anything like that, that a lot of other schools do, ever. very, very low crime rate, if any.

  • Megan from Mercer, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    It's alot of fun if you make the most of it.
    Great for these types of students

    Students who like smaller schools.

  • Jessica from Cooperstown, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • Mary from Oil City, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • Alison from West Reading, PA

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will enjoy being here

    The campus here is gorgeous!

  • Breanne from Windber, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Core classes are great. Most general education classes are good, if you take the right ones. There is a lot of great courses to pick from.
    Am enjoying being here

    The community is great and the campus is a lot of fun. I can always find something to do. There is also a lot of things to get involved it which is great.
    Bang for the buck

    For a state school, it is worth it. You get quality education without having to pay too much.
    Tips for prospective students

    My biggest tip is to get involved early. Most freshman think they'll wait to get involved because they aren't settled in yet, but get involved as soon as you can. It is the best way to make friends and helps you establish time management right away. Plus there are some really cool groups. (Such as the TV and radio stations we have on campus. Come check us out!)
    Great for these types of students

    I feel as though any type of student can fit in here.

  • Kara from York, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Clarion is a great school with lots of knowledgeable professors who genuinely care about their students. As long as you put in the effort to learn, you'll get grades that reflect that.
    Am enjoying being here

    I absolutely love Clarion. It's a small college in an even smaller town, but if you make the effort to get involved, you'll find that there's just as much to do here as there is anywhere else. I'm in a sorority and being in it has made a huge impact on my college experience! I've made lifelong friends who I love AND the leadership that I'm getting will look great on a job resume.
    Bang for the buck

    You can't really beat the price of public education. However, you'll find that the on-campus housing prices are way more expensive than they should be, especially when compared with housing off campus. You'll find that anywhere though.
    Tips for prospective students

    Get involved!! It's how you make friends. In college, as in life, you truly do get what you give. If you are willing to get involved in multiple organizations, you'll make a ton of friends and you'll have a great time because you'll always have SOMETHING to do.
    Great for these types of students

    Relaxed, outdoors-lovers, people who want to save money

  • Anton from Pittsburgh, PA

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    I hope to learn a lot especially from the well established communications department which I'm convinced is key to making it to the top, but one also has to be motivated.
    Will enjoy being here

    I hope so, should be better than being at my house again, and all my other friends are away at other schools, I'll get to do more things and be around others.
    Bang for the buck

    Probably one of the least expensive state schools to attend. I've looked into it, but then again Corbett is changing everything, but it's still the most affordable.
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure there's a good program for your major, and that if you're transferring, make sure your credits transfer by talking to a trnasfer counselor at your current school, or going to pacollegetransfer.com if you're in state.
    Great for these types of students

    Probably a great place for intelligent students that want to make it one day, no room for dumb people. they make life difficult.

  • Kaitlyn from Warren, PA

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    If you are looking to become an education major or business major this is the college to go to. It is ranked in the top 15% for both business and education.
    Will enjoy being here

    It is a small town but there is still things to do here. Just a mile from campus you can go swimming in the Clarion river. It is a beautiful place to be all throughout the year because you can experience all the different seasons. It is a beautiful campus.
    Bang for the buck

    Clarion is a state school so it is cheaper than a private college would be but that does not mean they don't have good academics.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you are considering business, education, or library science you should check out Clarion. They have a wonderful programs here. Also if you go undecided ask someone about the different options as going as a student undecided.
    Great for these types of students

    Great for business and education majors.

  • April from Clarion, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Almost every professor I have encountered will provide as much assistance as he or she is able to offer to ensure that something is learned.
    Am enjoying being here

    I very much enjoy the atmosphere of the campus and though I do not live on campus, I know enough of campus life to say that it's a good time for most.
    Bang for the buck

    While I think Clarion is great, budget cuts across the state have been causing some increases in prices that aren't exactly great. Still, the university as a whole offers a very nice program.
    Tips for prospective students

    Invest in yourself. Remember that you're at college to learn more and improve upon yourself. Don't worry about having enough time for fun, it'll find you!
    Great for these types of students

    Students of all different types will enjoy Clarion, though city dwellers might face a bit of culture shock to discover that most of downtown is closed on Sundays!

  • Ashley from Meadville, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • Jackie from Coolspring, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The teachers that I have met at Clarion are excited about teaching and make you want to learn. They go the extra mile to help you understand and gain from assignments. As long as you put effort into your classes, you will learn a lot.
    Am enjoying being here

    Clarion is a small town with little to do. However, the students here are friendly and make life at Clarion interesting. The campus holds several activities that are free for students to participate in. These activities aren't always broadcast over campus so be sure to keep an eye out for activities you might enjoy.
    Bang for the buck

    Because it is a small school, Clarion doesn't have as many activities as some of the larger schools so the fees for activities is somewhat high. They do provide a good education and a safe and friendly campus.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be prepared for COLD winters and tons of snow. As long as you are friendly and willing to try new things college at Clarion or any school will be a fun experience. Look for extra curricular activities and try out several clubs until you find ones that you enjoy.
    Great for these types of students

    Clarion is great for anyone who wants to go to a school where you can have one on one time with teachers. There are activities for outgoing students as well as a quiet and friendly atmosphere for students who may be more reserved.