PublicSuburbanWest Chester University of Pennsylvania
WCU
West Chester, Pennsylvania 19383
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business
West Chester University of Pennsylvania is a public institution in West Chester with particular strength in business and health sciences. With an average SAT of 1184, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A large campus of 14.1K undergraduates with a 20:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.
70% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $61,258 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $22,673.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •History The university traces its roots to the West Chester Academy, a private, state-aided school that existed from 1812 to 1869.
- •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.
- •With the passage of the State System of Higher Education bill, West Chester became one of the 14 universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education on July 1, 1983.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1184
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
46.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
0.8%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$18,750
Programs (142)
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
84%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
100
Peer Average
92
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
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 + suburban adjustment
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
Days out near West Chester
NewTwo or three colleges you can see in one day around West Chester, from real bookable tour times.
- DeSales University · Kutztown University of PennsylvaniaPublic and private17 days
- Bryn Athyn College of the New Church · Cheyney University of PennsylvaniaVery small colleges13 days