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Pennsylvania Western University

California, PA·Public·https://www.pennwest.edu/

At a Glance

Pennsylvania Western University is a mid-size public university in California, PA. Approximately 7,451 undergraduates are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 94% acceptance rate. Ski resorts are within 28 miles of campus. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 64/100 (Pretty Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.

94%
Acceptance Rate
5,930 applications
21
ACT Score (50th %ile)
Range: 17–25
$11,436
2024-25 Tuition
In-state rate
$18,256
Avg Net Price
What students actually pay
$11,790
Room & Board
19 meals/week
7,451
Undergraduates
Degree-seeking, all years
27%
Yield Rate
Admitted students who enrolled
52%
Graduation Rate
Within 150% of normal time
Selectivity94% · Open
Highly SelectiveOpen

SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)

SAT Evidence-Based Reading

480540580

SAT Math

460520560

Location

California, PA

Campus Identity

NCAA D2Greek LifePhD Programs

Pennsylvania Western University is a mid-size public university in California, PA. Approximately 7,451 undergraduates are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 94% acceptance rate. Ski resorts are within 28 miles of campus. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 64/100 (Pretty Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.

Campus Lifestyle

Pennsylvania Western University is a 10,000–19,999, small-town school with NCAA D2 athletics and a moderate greek life Greek scene. The campus is 195 miles from Dog Beach, MD and 28 miles from Boyce Park Ski & Tubing Area.

Athletics

NCAA D2

Pennsylvania State Athletic

School Size & Setting

10,000–19,999

Town setting

Beach Access

195 miles

Dog Beach, MD

Weather

Warm Climate

46°F avg school-year

Greek Life at Pennsylvania Western University

At Pennsylvania Western University, 4% of men are in a fraternity and 5% of women are in a sorority. That is a modest Greek presence. Chapters are active, but most students are not affiliated. Figures come from the institution’s reported Greek system data. Recruitment timing and chapter counts vary year to year, so check the student life office for the current season.

4%

Men in fraternities

5%

Women in sororities

Moderate Greek Life

Greek life scale

Nearby Ski Resorts

Pennsylvania Western University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Boyce Park Ski & Tubing Area, 28 miles away. All are within 33 miles of campus.

28 mi away
31 mi away
285 skiable acres14 lifts
33 mi away
110 skiable acres11 lifts

Nearest Beach

Students at Pennsylvania Western University are 195 miles from Dog Beach, MD.

Dog Beach, MD

Ocean access within 195.3 miles

195 mi away

Average Monthly Temperature

1991–2020 Climate Normals · California, PA

California has a cool climate, with winters averaging 30°F in Jan and summers peaking around 74°F in Jul.

30°Jan32°Feb40°Mar52°Apr62°May70°Jun74°Jul73°Aug67°Sep55°Oct44°Nov35°Dec

Station: CHARLEROI LOCK 4 · Source: NOAA NCEI

On Campus Safety Score

2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students

Pennsylvania Western University in PA earns a composite safety score of 64/100, rated Pretty Safe among U.S. colleges.

64/100
Pretty Safe
PersonalSafetyPropertySafetyParty SceneSafety559044
55/100
Personal
assault, rape, stalking, dating and domestic violence
90/100
Property
burglary, vehicle theft, arson
44/100
Party Scene
drug, alcohol & weapons enforcement

On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.

Cost Breakdown

2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.

Tuition
$11,436$16,054
Fees
$3,242$4,056
Room & Board
$11,790$11,790
Total
$26,468$31,900
In-StateOut-of-State
App Fee: $35
Meal Plan: 19 meals/week
$18,256avg net price / year

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.

Calculate your personalized net price

Fields of Study

201 programs offered

Most Popular Programs

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBachelor's
210 grads/yr$82,099
Social WorkMaster's
197 grads/yr$58,490
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/FitnessMaster's
191 grads/yr$59,065
Library Science and AdministrationMaster's
186 grads/yr$55,619
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and HumanitiesBachelor's
149 grads/yr$44,180

Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.

Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General
Associate's23 grads$156,707
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Doctoral$127,594
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Master's60 grads$113,607
Computer Software and Media Applications
Master's grads$95,801
Educational Administration and Supervision
Other50 grads$88,001
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
Bachelor's44 grads$83,194
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Bachelor's210 grads$82,099
Business Administration, Management and Operations
Master's131 grads$78,426
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
Bachelor's14 grads$77,401
Accounting and Related Services
Master's18 grads$76,807

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Pennsylvania Western University located?

Pennsylvania Western University is located in California, PA. The main campus address is 250 University Avenue, California, PA. It is a public institution offering 4-year degree programs.

What is the acceptance rate at Pennsylvania Western University?

Pennsylvania Western University has an acceptance rate of 94%, making it accessible. Out of 5,930 applicants, 5,594 were admitted in the most recent year.

How many students attend Pennsylvania Western University?

Pennsylvania Western University enrolls 7,451 undergraduates. That figure counts degree-seeking undergraduate students across all years, not just the incoming class, and it excludes graduate students. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

What ACT score do you need for Pennsylvania Western University?

The middle 50% of enrolled students at Pennsylvania Western University scored between 17 and 25 on the ACT, with a median of 21. About 3% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.

How much does it cost to attend Pennsylvania Western University?

For the 2024-25 academic year, Pennsylvania Western University charges $11,436/year for in-state students and $16,054/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board ($11,790/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $15,630/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $18,256/year — what students actually pay. Use Pennsylvania Western University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

What is the application fee for Pennsylvania Western University?

The undergraduate application fee at Pennsylvania Western University is $35. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.

What NCAA division is Pennsylvania Western University in?

Pennsylvania Western University competes in NCAA Division II, part of the Pennsylvania State Athletic. Division II programs offer athletic scholarships while keeping a closer balance between athletics and academics.

What percentage of students at Pennsylvania Western University are in Greek life?

At Pennsylvania Western University, 4% of men are in a fraternity and 5% of women are in a sorority. That is a modest Greek presence. Chapters exist and are active, but most students are not affiliated. Figures come from the institution's reported Greek system data. Recruitment timing and chapter counts vary year to year, so check the school's student life office for the current season.

Is Pennsylvania Western University the right fit for me?

Whether Pennsylvania Western University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (94% admit rate), avg net price ($18,256/year after aid), campus culture in California, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Pennsylvania Western University against similar schools side-by-side.

Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Pennsylvania Western University directly for the most current information.

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Start your application at the official website.

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Quick Facts

Type
Public
Location
California, PA
Size
10,000–19,999
Degrees Offered
Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Certificates
NCAA
NCAA D2
Conference
Pennsylvania State Athletic
School Year Weather
Warm · 46°F avg
App Fee
$35
On Campus Safety Score
64/100
Nearest Airport
Pittsburgh, PA (AGC) · 20 mialso MGW (29 mi), LBE (29 mi)
Data Sources: Admissions, cost, and enrollment data sourced from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) (NCES, 2024 survey year). Fields of Study data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. On Campus Safety Score computed from Clery Act data (U.S. Dept. of Education, 3-year average normalized per 1,000 students). Data may not reflect most recent changes. Always verify with the institution directly.