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Pennsylvania Western University

PennWest University

California, Pennsylvania 15419

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Data last updated: May 29, 2026

Campus Vibe

College town

Known for health sciences

Pennsylvania Western University is a public institution in California with particular strength in health sciences and business. With an average SAT of 1076, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A mid-sized campus of 8.1K undergraduates with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.

51% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $47,295 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $19,352.

Established
2022
Mascot
Various
Type
Public

Campus Visits

44 upcoming visits · Next: Mon, Jun 1 · Campus Tour

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94%Acceptance
1076SAT Avg
8,134Students
17:1Student:Faculty
51%Grad Rate
$47,295Earnings 10yr
$19,352Net Price

Admissions

Acceptance Rate93.7%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1076

Reading & Writing
480590
Math
460580

ACT Score Range

Composite
2026

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$11,388
Tuition (out-of-state)$16,006
Room & Board$13,200
Books & Supplies$1,240
Total Cost of Attendance$27,618
Average Net Price$19,352
Median Debt at Graduation$23,725
Monthly Payment (10yr)$252

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$14,651
$30–48K$15,059
$48–75K$18,863
$75–110K$23,147
$110K+$24,265

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.

Debt & Aid Detail

Net Price Trend

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

43.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

2.7%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$16,750

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

53

Peer Average

92

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones

Incident Breakdown (2024)

11

Burglary

2

Aggravated Assault

1

Robbery

4

Motor Vehicle Theft

7

Sex Offenses

0

Arson

16

Drug Arrests

12

Liquor Arrests

Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).

Student Life

Student Satisfaction

Retention Rate

70%

Mixed

Student Body

Undergrads
8,134
Gender Split
61% / 39%
Women / Men
First Generation
37%
Pell Grant Recipients
37%

Race & Ethnicity

White 74%
Black 8%
Hispanic 4%
Asian 1%
Two+ 3%
Int'l 1%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate51.0%
Freshman Retention70.4%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$38,474
10 Years$47,295

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.

More About This School

History & Fun Facts

  • In 1864 the school relocated to a new location, now the center of the campus' present location, the following year it was chartered as a normal school.
  • In 1914 the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania bought the school, renamed it to California State Normal School, and converted it to a two-year school for training elementary school teachers.
  • In 1928 the state restored the four year programs and it became California State Teachers College.
  • The college's offerings continued expanding through the first part of the 20th century, eventually renaming as California State College in 1959 and adding a graduate program in 1962.
  • On 1 July 1983, the school joined the newly formed State System of Higher Education, gained university status and became California University of Pennsylvania.

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

97Average

Estimated from PA state average

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 30"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Pittsburghpop. 300K
27 mi(47 min)
Philadelphiapop. 1.6M
250 mi(433 min)
New Yorkpop. 8.3M
313 mi(543 min)

Getting There

Nearest Airports

PIT Pittsburgh35 mi
MDT Harrisburg165 mi
BUF Buffalo Niagara207 mi

Distance to Cities

Boston, MA485 mi · ~14h 1m drive
New York, NY313 mi · ~9h 3m drive
Hartford, CT394 mi · ~11h 23m drive
Providence, RI458 mi · ~13h 14m drive
Albany, NY365 mi · ~10h 33m drive
Syracuse, NY283 mi · ~8h 11m drive
Rochester, NY244 mi · ~7h 3m drive
Buffalo, NY202 mi · ~5h 50m drive
Philadelphia, PA250 mi · ~7h 13m drive
Pittsburgh, PA27 mi · ~47 min drive
Harrisburg, PA159 mi · ~4h 36m drive
Newark, NJ304 mi · ~8h 47m drive
Trenton, NJ272 mi · ~7h 51m drive
Southern (moderate winters, warm summers)

Visit Planning

Deadline Calendar

Pennsylvania Western University Application Checklist

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