Welcome to West Chester University.
Whether you are a prospective or current student, an alumnus or alumna, or a member of the community, I am pleased you are taking this opportunity to learn more about WCU.
At West Chester University, we are blessed with beautiful surroundings and access to important cultural and economic centers. The campus is located just outside Philadelphia and an easy two-hour trip from Washington, D.C., or New York City. Within Greater West Chester, students, faculty, and staff collaborate with leaders in business, education, and government to strengthen our region. For instance, through service learning and student organizations, students contribute many thousands of hours a year in volunteer service.
Above all, we are a university that focuses on students and on learning:
* Our campus is small enough to be friendly but large enough to offer a comprehensive range of programs.
* Our facilities are up-to-date, and we integrate the newest technology into our curricula.
* West Chester University faculty members are dedicated to teaching as well as to excellence in their fields.
* High academic standards are supported by the services students need to meet these standards.
* Learning is not confined to the classroom.
* Students take an active role in university governance.
* The University offers learning opportunities not just for four years but for a lifetime.
* Extensive cultural-arts offerings serve the campus and surrounding communities.
West Chester University has a proud tradition, one that fosters both excellence and diversity. If West Chester University is not already a part of your life, I hope you will visit us and consider joining our academic community.
Linda L. Lamwers
Interim President
West Chester University of Pennsylvania, is a public university located in West Chester, Pennsylvania, United States, 34 miles (54 km) west by north of Philadelphia. It is one of the 14 state universities that compose the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). West Chester is known for its School of Music (mainly for Music Education) and College of Education. West Chester is ranked by US News & World Report number 56 Universities–Master's (North). The school is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSACS).
Although its founding year is 1871, the University in fact has deeper roots tracing from West Chester Academy, a private, state-aided school that existed from 1812 to 1869. The academy enjoyed strong support from the highly intellectual Chester County Cabinet of the Natural Sciences of the pre-American Civil War decades. It was recognized as one of Pennsylvania's leading preparatory schools, and its experience in teacher training laid the groundwork for the normal school years that were to follow.
As the state began to take increasing responsibility for public education, the academy was transformed into West Chester Normal School, still privately owned but state certified. The normal school admitted its first class, consisting of 160 students, on September 25, 1871. In 1913, West Chester became the first of the normal schools to be owned outright by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
West Chester became West Chester State Teachers College in 1927 when Pennsylvania initiated a four-year program of teacher education. In 1960, as the Commonwealth paved the way for liberal arts programs in its college system, West Chester was renamed West Chester State College, and two years later introduced the liberal arts program that turned the one-time academy into a comprehensive college.
In recognition of the historic merit of the campus, in 1981 the West Chester State College Quadrangle Historic District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The buildings included in this historic district are Philips Memorial Building, Ruby Jones Hall, Recitation Hall, and the Old Library. Except for Philips, these buildings are all constructed of native Chester County serpentine stone.
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| Percent of Students International: | 0% |
| On-Campus Housing Available: | Yes |
| Percent of Students Living On-Campus: | 30% |
| Freshman Students Required to Live on Campus: | No |
| Member of: | NAA, NCAA |
| Sports Include: |
Football (Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference) Basketball (Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference) Baseball (Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference) Track (Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference) |
| Tuition & Fees (undergraduate) | In-State | Out-of-State | |
Published Tuition and Fees: |
$ 6,147 | $ 13,570 | |
Average Tuition for Full-Time Undergrads: |
$ 4,906 | $ 12,266 | |
Required Fees for Full-Time Undergrads: |
$ 1,241 | $ 1,304 | |
| Financial Aid | Avg. Amount Received | % of Students Receiving Aid | |
Federal Grants: |
$ 1,981 | 26% | |
State and Local Grants: |
$ 2,117 | 32% | |
Institutional Grants: |
$ 3,135 | 21% | |
Student Loans: |
$ 3,266 | 64% | |
Any Aid: |
75% |
| Acceptance Rate: | 51% (Highly Selective) |
| Test Scores | |
| SAT Scores: | |
| % of Students Submitting SAT Scores: | 100% |
| Bottom 25th Percentile: | Verbal: 460, Math: 480 |
| Top 75th Percentile: | Verbal: 580, Math: 580 |
| Application Fee: | $ 35.00 |
| Formal Demonstration of Competencies: | Not Required |
| High School Diploma or Equivalent: | Required |
| High School GPA: | Recommended |
| High School Rank: | Recommended |
| High School Record: | Required |
| Recommendations: | Not Required |
| TOEFL: | Required |
| Test Scores: | Required |
