Pennsylvania Western University
PennWest University
California, Pennsylvania 15419
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
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.
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
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1076
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
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
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
70%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
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)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from PA state average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
Days out near California
NewTwo or three colleges you can see in one day around Newell, from real bookable tour times.
- La Roche University · Chatham UniversitySmall colleges140 days
- La Roche University · Chatham University · Carnegie Mellon UniversityOne town, three colleges2 days
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus · Saint Vincent CollegeUnder $25k a year2 days