W

West Chester University of Pennsylvania

PublicSuburb: Large

About West Chester University of Pennsylvania

Overview, location, and what makes it stand out

West Chester University is a public university in West Chester, Pennsylvania. It is the largest member of the Pennsylvania State System and offers programs in education, health sciences, business, and music.

Founded

1871

Location

West Chester, Pennsylvania

Students

16,886

Institution

Public

Known For

Largest in PA SystemEducationMusic ProgramsHealth Sciences

Key Stats

A quick snapshot of what matters most

Acceptance Rate

78.4%

Open admission

Graduation Rate

70.5%

Near national average

In-State Tuition

$10,775

Out-of-state: $22,599

Avg Net Price

$23,331

After financial aid

SAT Average

1187

Out of 1600

Median Earnings

$61,258

10 years after enrollment

Admissions

How competitive is getting in?

Selectivity

Highly CompetitiveOpen Admission
78.4%

Moderate

Most students who apply are accepted

How to Apply

Test Policy

Test Optional

Application Fee

$45

Early

N/A

Deadline

Rolling

West Chester University of Pennsylvania accepts the majority of applicants at 78.4%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.

SAT Scores

1187/ 1600

850770690610530450
540
Math: 540
560
R&W: 560
25th
620
Math: 620
650
R&W: 650
75th
Math
Reading & Writing

ACT Scores

26/ 36

393531272319
24
25th: 24
25th
26
Avg: 26
Avg
28
75th: 28
75th
25th Percentile
Average
75th Percentile

Academics

How strong is the academic experience?

Student Success

Low GraduationHigh Graduation
70.5%

Above Average

70.5% complete their degree within six years

Retention

83.1%

4-Year Grad

53%

6-Year Grad

73%

Teaching Quality

20:1

Student-Faculty Ratio

Full-Time

71.8%

$/Student

$9.0K

Class Size

Large

While 53% finish in 4 years, 83.1% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.

Tuition & Costs

What will you actually pay?

Tuition & Fees

$10,775

In-State

/

$22,599

Out-of-State

Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals

Room & Board

$14,828

Books & Supplies

$1,200

Total Cost of Attendance

$28,394

After Financial Aid

$23,331

Average Net Price

Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships

Net Price (family income <$30K)

$17,018

Receive Grants

25.4%

Take Loans

54.4%

The full cost of attendance is about $28,394/yr for in-state students, including $14,828 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $23,331. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $22,599.

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 West Chester University of Pennsylvania fund their education.

While in School

25.4%

Get Grants

Free money

54.4%

Take Loans

Must repay

$75,332

Median Family Income

After Graduation

$23,500

Median Debt at Graduation

Total federal loan balance when students graduate

$249/mo

Monthly Payment

0%

Low

Default Rate

Students typically graduate with $23,500 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 West Chester University of Pennsylvania.

Gender

58.3%

Female

/

42%

Male

Female to Male Ratio

Race & Ethnicity

73.2%
10.4%
8.2%
3.9%
2.9%
0.3%
White
Black
Hispanic
Multiracial
Asian
International

Enrollment

14,164

Undergraduate Students

Student Profile

2,722

Graduates

28.1%

First-Gen

21 yrs

Avg Age

7%

Age 25+

Women make up the majority at 58% of the student body. 28.1% 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

RuralCity
Suburb: Large

Suburb: Large

Campus Quick Facts

14,164

Students

public

Institution

Medium

Campus Size

R2 Research

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

No

Career Counseling

Yes

Sports & Athletics

How seriously this college takes sport

West Chester University of Pennsylvania fields 14 varsity teams with 727 student athletes, about 5% of the student body.

Division

NCAA

Division II with football

Conference

Pennsylvania State

The league its teams compete in

Varsity Sports

14

Biggest: Track & Cross Country

Student Athletes

727

5% of the student body

Athletes by Gender

50% / 50%

364

Men

/

363

Women

8

Men's Teams

12

Women's Teams

Biggest Teams

MenWomen
219
Track & XC
122
Football
66
Soccer
45
Swim & Dive
36
Other

Every Varsity Team

Track & Cross Country219Football122Soccer66Swimming & Diving45Other Sports36Baseball34Field Hockey33Lacrosse32Softball32Basketball27Gymnastics24Tennis20Volleyball20Golf17

After Graduation

What can you earn with this degree?

How much do graduates of West Chester University of Pennsylvaniaearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.

Earnings Trajectory

$61,258

Median Earnings · 10 Years After

$51K
6yr
$44K
8yr
$61K
10yr

Popular Programs

Top 6

Business Administration, Management and Operations

296 grads

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods

256 grads

Psychology, General

256 grads

General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations

229 grads

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

$98K

224 grads

4yr Earnings

Finance and Financial Management Services

202 grads

Earnings grow steadily here: $51K at six years, $44K at eight, and $61K by ten. Well above average at every stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about West Chester University of Pennsylvania

What is the acceptance rate at West Chester University of Pennsylvania?
West Chester University of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 78.4%. West Chester University of Pennsylvania accepts the majority of applicants at 78.4%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
How much does West Chester University of Pennsylvania cost?
Tuition at West Chester University of Pennsylvania is $10,775 for in-state students and $22,599 for out-of-state students. The full cost of attendance is about $28,394/yr for in-state students, including $14,828 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $23,331. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $22,599.
What is the graduation rate at West Chester University of Pennsylvania?
West Chester University of Pennsylvania has a graduation rate of 70.5%. While 53% finish in 4 years, 83.1% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
How much do West Chester University of Pennsylvania graduates earn?
The median earnings for West Chester University of Pennsylvania graduates is $61,258 ten years after enrollment. Earnings grow steadily here: $51K at six years, $44K at eight, and $61K by ten. Well above average at every stage.

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.