West Chester University of Pennsylvania
The West Chester University of Pennsylvania is a public school in the Philadelphia area and the largest institution in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. WCU is comprised of seven colleges including the College of Arts & Humanities, the largest school on campus. To provide opportunities to learn in a foreign culture, the WCU Center for International Programs organizes nearly 700 exchange and study abroad programs with partner institutions including Guizhou University in China. For sports fans, WCU fields 23 men’s and women’s athletic teams.
Admissions
Key Admissions Stats
Institution Type
Public
- Not for Profit
- Coed
Need Aware
This school may consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission
Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Suburb or town
Admissions Requirements
SAT
Yes
ACT
Yes
Transcript
Yes
Important Deadlines
| Application Type | Application Deadline | Reply Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Other | February 1 | May 1 |
Admitted Student Stats
8%
Submitting ACT
92%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 23
Average SAT Composite: 1123
Academics
Key Academic Stats
Highest Degree Offered
Doctorate
Total Number of Students
17,719
Total Number of Undergrads
14,712
Classroom Sizes
0
100
48%
Graduate in 4 Years
US National: 28%
0
100
73%
Graduate in 6 Years
US National: 52%
Student:Faculty Ratio
20:1
US National: 21:1
Tuition, Cost & Aid
Key Financial Stats
Tuition
| In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution. | $10,411
|
| Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state’s or institution’s residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school. | $21,507
|
Additional Costs
Room and Board
The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
|
$13,778
|
| Books and Supplies | $1200
|
Aid & Grants
0
100
47%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid
Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
Students Receiving Grants
Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
26%
Average Aid Per Year
$5,908
26%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$4,829
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$3,813
Student Loans
Students Borrowing Loans
Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
71%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$9,561
Average Debt at Graduation
The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$19,500
Median Monthly Loan Payment
The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$229
Campus Life
Key Campus Stats
Student Gender
Student Organizations
297
Size of Town
Suburb or town
LGBTQIA Student Resource Groups
Yes
On Campus Women's Center
Yes
Housing
0
100
65%
Undergrads Living on Campus
On-campus living required of freshman
No
Athletics
Divisional Sports Nickname
Golden Rams
School Colors
purple and gold
Varsity Athletics Association
NCAA
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference
Campus Safety
24-HR security patrol
Yes
Campus emergency phones
Yes
After Graduation
Post Grad Stats
Top 5 Cities
Philadelphia
New York
Allentown
Reading
Lancaster
Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$51,200
What Students Are Saying
3.69
Average Rating
There is a place for everyone at West Chester. It is a great location, a great price, and a great community. I honestly have never met anyone who doesn'Â?t love it here.
Jenna
West Chester is the absolute best choice for anyone who is looking for a place to grow academically and socially. The campus is the perfect size: small enough to not get lost, but big enough for plenty of places to meet up with friends. The students and faculty are all incredibly supportive of one another, creating an accepting and judgement-free environment. Go Rams!
Kiera from Hatfield, PA
west chester university will forever hold a place in my heart. the beautiful wcu campus is within walking distance of downtown west chester, with plenty of food options and entertainment for all ages. i am proud of my alma mater and will always strongly recommend it as an academic path for potential prospective students.
nicholas from west chester, pa
It really is a great place to spend your college years. It is full of staff and faculty who truly care about their students. Being an out of state student, I am truly grateful to be a student here at West Chester.
Michelle from Hazlet, NJ
West Chester University is an interesting blend of the urban and suburban. The school while in the shadow of the Philadelphia metropolitan area stands alone as its own entity and treats the community as such. The school has a somewhat diverse yet separate student body that leaves many satisfied and many not sure how to feel.
Eric from Mechanicsburg, PA
My favorite aspect of West Chester University of PA is the quiet, quaint college community. You're just minutes away from Philadelphia, Delaware and Maryland in one direction, and farm country in the other, with attractions like King of Prussia Mall and Longwood Gardens virtually around the corner. The peace and tranquility of this college town has a lot to offer the individually both mentally and physically.
William from Philadelphia, PA
West Chester is a very well-rounded university with so much to offer at such a reasonable price. It is a great place to discover new interests and follow your passions. Everyone attending this university is united and proud to be a Golden Ram!
Nicole from Pottstown, PA
Similar Colleges
Pittsburgh, PA
Shippensburg, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia, PA
East Stroudsburg, PA
Indiana, PA
Kutztown, PA
Lock Haven, PA
Millersville, PA
University Park, PA
Newark, DE