About West Chester University of Pennsylvania

Founded in 1871, West Chester University of Pennsylvania. is a Public college. Located in Pennsylvania, which is a city setting in Pennsylvania, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 14,397 full time undergraduate students, and 2,608 full time graduate students.

The West Chester University of Pennsylvania Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 19:1. There are 684 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at West Chester University of Pennsylvania include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate64%
Application Deadline
Application Fee45
SAT Range970-1150
ACT Range21-25

Admissions at WCU are considered Selective, with ,75% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 19 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

85% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 42% were in the top quarter, and 12% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at West Chester University of Pennsylvania.

0%
“We”re apathetic”
33%
“We know about current events and vote”
57%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
9%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
4%
“We save it for the classroom”
16%
“Sometimes, but not often”
64%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
16%
“All the time, including weekends”
2%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
33%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
65%
“I feel extremely safe”
20%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
41%
“We bought the gear”
39%
“We live for the big game”
9%
“It”s not really our thing”
13%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
38%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
40%
“We”re a very artistic group”
5%
“Haven”t met them”
5%
“Available in class”
62%
“They keep regular office hours”
27%
“They”re always available”
2%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
7%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
82%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
9%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
16%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
11%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
38%
“We only party on weekends”
35%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
7%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
63%
“There might be people who do”
26%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
4%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
0%
“We”re apathetic”
33%
“We know about current events and vote”
57%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
9%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
4%
“We save it for the classroom”
16%
“Sometimes, but not often”
64%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
16%
“All the time, including weekends”
2%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
33%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
65%
“I feel extremely safe”
20%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
41%
“We bought the gear”
39%
“We live for the big game”
9%
“It”s not really our thing”
13%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
38%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
40%
“We”re a very artistic group”
5%
“Haven”t met them”
5%
“Available in class”
62%
“They keep regular office hours”
27%
“They”re always available”
2%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
7%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
82%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
9%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
16%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
11%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
38%
“We only party on weekends”
35%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
7%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
63%
“There might be people who do”
26%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
4%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
Write a review, Enter to win $1,000 Scholarship

  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    169 Students rated on-campus housing 3.7 stars. 20 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    147 Students rated off-campus housing 3.2 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    183 Students rated campus food 3.1 stars. 11 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    190 Students rated campus facilities 4 stars. 36 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    191 Students rated class size 4.1 stars. 42 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    191 Students rated school activities 4.1 stars. 39 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    192 Students rated local services 4.1 stars. 48 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    190 Students rated academics 4.3 stars. 52 % gave the school a 5.0.

West Chester University of Pennsylvania REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of West Chester University of Pennsylvania?

71 Students rated West Chester University of Pennsylvania

Anna - 11/23/2024

West Chester University is highly regarded for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs that cater to diverse interests and career goals. Students often praise the dedicated and approachable faculty who are committed to providing a high-quality education. The campus itself is beautiful and well-maintained, providing a welcoming environment for students. There are numerous extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations that allow students to engage and develop their interests outside the classroom. The university also places a strong emphasis on community involvement and offers many opportunities for students to participate in service projects and internships. Additionally, West Chester University is known for its supportive community. Students often feel a strong sense of belonging and support from both their peers and the administration. The university's location in West Chester, Pennsylvania, offers a charming small-town feel with easy access to larger cities like Philadelphia, providing the best of both worlds.

Pierre - 06/09/2024

It’s not good university to start in Canada.

Natalie - 11/02/2023

West Chester is a very big school. The professors care but definitely not as much as a smaller school would. I transferred from a smaller school to this school and I loved my smaller school so much better. Kids are judgey here but you can find some good ones in the crowd.

Dontiana - 05/16/2023

Great school with various locations to choose from and you can also take courses virtually. There is an option for on campus, blended, and 100% virtual to give you various opportunities to learn as a student of this fine institution. The campuses have issues from time to time but what campus doesn't? If you need support with your classes the university has many resources. The health center has been very proactive when it comes to covid-19 and the safety of students who need care.

West Chester University of Pennsylvania FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at West Chester University of Pennsylvania?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for West Chester University of Pennsylvania is 64%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high schoool senior, I would write myself this letter: Dear Ally, You are about to embark on a journey of the unknown. It's astounding that we as a nation ask 18 year olds to choose what they want to do for the rest of their lives and make a commitment to an institution for four years when you don't even really know yourself. So, my best advice to you would be to get to know yourself before you make this huge commitment. Take a few trips, even if they're just road trips, to see what else is out there. Take up a new hobby, work a few jobs, and save some money. If you spend only one year on a journey of self-discovery, I believe that you will be pleasantly surprised at what you find out about yourself. The more you know about yourself, the better you will do in college with the challenges, struggles, adventures, and opportunities come your way. Best wishes for an amazing future! Ally

    Read all 198 answers

  3. What kind of person should attend this school?

    I think that any type of person could and should attend this school. West chester is full of great people, professors and students alike. As a student it is not hard to make friends, everyone is very open and looking to make new friends all the time. The school is in a great location and it has a very cozy feeling towards it.

    Read all 44 answers

  4. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    There are two things I think WCU really needs to work on. These are affordable housing availability and parking. Students have a great deal of unnecessary stress when it comes to finding a place to live and/or park. I feel like there is not a common ground between affiliated and traditional housing. Also, finding a place to park on campus is close to impossible. And I've found that if you do find a spot, you most likely receive a $20 parking ticket, and these tickets add up quickly.

    Read all 41 answers

  5. What's unique about your campus?

    I really like the campus. I transferred here from Shippensburg University and I HATED it there. WCU has been such a great expeirence.

    Read all 40 answers

  6. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    Anyone who is looking for a less intimite atmosphere.

    Read all 39 answers

  7. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    West Chester University of Pennsylvania is a state university that provides a variety of educational avenues specifically designed to meet the needs of both traditional and non-traditional students and adult learners.

    Read all 32 answers

  8. Describe the students at your school.

    It depends on who you talk to but these students are extremely diverse in thoughts, actions, and orientation.

    Read all 32 answers

  9. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    West Chester University was the smart choice in terms of financial and career opportunities. It was extremely affordable compared to other schools I looked at; and, it gave scholarships. As per career opportunities, I have been able to encorporate a minor with my major. It is located in a nice town and is about thirty minutes from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Because of its location, there are vast opportunities for internships. Lastly, I had the opportunity to play Division II tennis at West Chester University. This was the only university that offered such an opportunity.

    Read all 30 answers

  10. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    I always brag about my group of friends. We're very social and there's always something to do when you're bored. These are friends I will have for the rest of my life.

    Read all 30 answers

  11. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    It's Education Department and Music Department

    Read all 27 answers

  12. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    The most frustrating thing about West Chester University is the divide between minority Greek organizations and the Inter-Greek and Pan-Hellenic Greek council (which are majority Caucasian students). I think that the volunteerism provided by Greek organizations as well as the events that they put together in general would have been so much more productive if they would work together rather than support the separation that was established hundreds of years ago when these organizations were established.

    Read all 27 answers

  13. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish I would have know how to study and how to adapt to new environments.

    Read all 17 answers

  14. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    Overall, I really enjoy my school. I love the atmosphere, the people, and the classes. Our campus is medium sized and is big enough to give the college feel without being too overbearing. West Chester students are friendly, open, and very diverse. The professors are helpful and friendly and are always willing to meet outside of class. I really do not know anyone who doesn't like West Chester University, and one thing that makes it great also is the town! We have a wonderful college town and it has the college town feel. There is plenty of shopping and dining and we are only a short train ride away from Philadelphia as well!

    Read all 4 answers

  15. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    The stereotype of students at my school is that all of us are partiers. We are a large state school in Pennsylvania, and I think sometimes state schools can get a bad reputation. I would say the stereotype is inaccurate. Of course, some students do like to party, but overall West Chester University has much more to offer than a social life.

    Read all 2 answers

  16. What are the academics like at your school?

    the work is medium hard not too bad

    Read all 1 answers

  17. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    sororities and fraternities

    Read all 1 answers

Student Body

Students

59%

female

41%

male

14,397

Total Undergrad Enrollment

2,608

Total Grad Students

15%

Out-Of-State

85%

In-State

N/A

International

Organizations

238

Student Organizations

11

Fraternities

14

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

32%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
2%
% Black or African-American
11%
% Hispanic/Latino
5%
% White or Caucasian
77%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

80% of students attending West Chester University of Pennsylvania receive some sort of financial aid. 23% were awarded federal grants.71%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$20,812

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,200

Books and Supplies

$12,860

Room and Board

34,872

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$15,438
$30 - $48K
$16,616
$48 - $75K
$20,434
$75 - $110K
$23,842
$110K & UP
$24,576

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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