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 Rate
64%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
45
SAT Range
970-1150
ACT Range
21-25
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”
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?
72 Students rated West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Thomas
Prospective04/19/2025
location
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.
Evanthia
03/29/2022
I went as a non-degree, commuter student and found it to be very open-and-shut. I did join a club and this was a wonderful experience, so I would say that West Chester is the kind of school that you make it out to be--whether a party place, academic atmosphere, social place, etc. There is definitely more push to be socially aware and academically inclined than a big sports school, and the education is very good. There are some truly motivated people, especially in the upper levels, and even the entry-level professors are wonderful. Overall, a wonderful school no matter your purpose as a learner!
Andrew
02/16/2022
I like West Chester University a lot but the main issue for me is one of school culture. The students here seem to only be here to drink and party but when there are football games or any other sporting events it feels somewhat dead on campus. I have heard so many of my friends enjoying their time at other schools who have more of a culture centered around sports and that is severely lacking here. Furthermore, none of the students really get involved on campus with the exception of Greek life.
Leigh
02/10/2022
West Chester is very hit or miss. Their on-campus housing can either be worth the money or seem like a rip-off, and I've experienced both in my years here. The same goes with campus food. The dining hall is practically avoidable at all costs, with too many cases of food poisoning or unwanted objects in the food. However, other dining locations are great, just avoid getting chicken. There are a lot of ways to get involved whether it's clubs, Greek life, or late-night activities in the Student Union. The professors are hit or miss, so you really should do your research prior to scheduling if you want decent professors. Overall, I like WCU, but I'm not sure I'd go again if I had the chance to redo my college experience, or even go back to get my Master's.
Nolan
08/12/2021
West Chester University of Pennsylvania is a beautiful campus. We're located about an hour away from Philadelphia, and 25 minutes from the King of Prussia Mall. The school offers great academic programs and gives students the opportunities to get optimal attention from their instructors. It's never hard to get a hold of them. I suggest going here to everyone.
Ricardo
08/16/2020
West Chester University is an awesome school and I’m happy to study there. Not only I’ve made a few friends during time as a student, but also the professors and other faculty members have always been there for me no matter how many times I ask for their help. I also think that WCU is a very safe campus because so far, I’ve never felt that my life was going to be threatened by a criminal or any other dangerous individual. That’s why I’m very grateful to be a student there, as well as many other reasons besides the ones I’ve mentioned earlier in this paragraph.
Jenneh
06/26/2020
It’s a great university
Lynda
05/27/2020
I think West Chester University is a really great school & has a good understanding of hardships that students can face. After my first year at West Chester, I was academically dismissed. I submitted a repeal and was accepted back in. I think that being able to repeal an academic dismissal says something to the schools desire to give students a chance to redeem themselves even though their grades reflected their lack of effort.
Johanna
05/10/2020
West Chester university is A beautiful college in a beautiful town. There are many places to go out to eat there are many things to do. And the people all around seem like good genuine people. The campus makes it easy to walk around town and enjoy everything and everyone.
Emma
03/11/2020
West Chester University is a great school. Offers a ton of opportunities for their students to get involved on campus. Students and staff are very freindly to the students. Additionally, I always feel safe on campus as there is police officers walking around the campus and the dorm buildings. the only downside to the university is there needs to be an improvement for food and food options.
Victoria
02/01/2020
I love attending West Chester University, though I will add I am also a part of the Honors College here which was a huge selling point for me. The majority of my professors are really great, especially in the honors and Social work programs, and the campus almost always has events and lots of opportunities going on to get involved. I am not personally joining a sorority but I know a lot of people who are and theres a pretty wide variety to choose from on campus so that's a selling point for some people. The town in only about a 10 minute walk which is great for weekends when you need to get away from the dining hall and try a new food or dessert. All in all, West Chester is an amazing school.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
