Pennsylvania Western University
About Pennsylvania Western University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Pennsylvania Western University is a public university formed from the merger of California, Clarion, and Edinboro universities in western Pennsylvania. It offers affordable programs in education, business, nursing, and criminal justice.
Founded
1852
Location
California, Pennsylvania
Students
10,699
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
94.3%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
51.9%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$11,436
Out-of-state: $16,054
Avg Net Price
$18,256
After financial aid
SAT Average
1063
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$47,295
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$35
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Pennsylvania Western University accepts the majority of applicants at 94.3%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1063/ 1600
ACT Scores
22/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
51.9% complete their degree within six years
Retention
71.7%
4-Year Grad
37%
6-Year Grad
52%
Teaching Quality
18:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
81.3%
$/Student
$11.5K
Class Size
Medium
The 37% graduation rate is below average, but 71.7% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$11,436
In-State
$16,054
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$12,690
Books & Supplies
$1,260
Total Cost of Attendance
$26,916
After Financial Aid
$18,256
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$13,944
Receive Grants
38.3%
Take Loans
59.8%
The total cost of attendance runs about $26,916/yr, including $12,690 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $18,256.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Pennsylvania Western University fund their education.
While in School
38.3%
Get Grants
Free money
59.8%
Take Loans
Must repay
$46,425
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$23,725
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$252/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $23,725 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Pennsylvania Western University.
Gender
60.7%
Female
39%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
7,451
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
3,248
Graduates
37.3%
First-Gen
23 yrs
Avg Age
15.2%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 61% of the student body. 37.3% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Distant
Campus Quick Facts
7,451
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Pennsylvania Western University fields 12 varsity teams with 1,312 student athletes, about 18% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II with football
Conference
Pennsylvania State
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
1,312
18% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
57% / 43%
742
Men
570
Women
9
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Pennsylvania Western Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$47,295
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$71K
210 grads
1yr Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$34K
149 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$33K
144 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$38K
134 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$38K
118 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$40K
118 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $38K six years out, growing to $47K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Pennsylvania Western University
What is the acceptance rate at Pennsylvania Western University?▾
How much does Pennsylvania Western University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Pennsylvania Western University?▾
How much do Pennsylvania Western University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.