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Pennsylvania Western University

California, PA·Public·8,134 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and in-state Pennsylvania residents. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 8,134 students.

94%
Accept
8,134
Students
$19,352
Net Price
51%
Grad Rate
$44,800
Earnings
10 yr
$16,750
Debt

About This School

Pennsylvania Western University is a public institution located in California, Pennsylvania with approximately 8,134 undergraduate students enrolled. Pennsylvania Western University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 94%. The average net price after financial aid is $19,352 per year. The graduation rate is 51%, and the typical graduate earns $44,800 within 10 years of enrollment.

Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) is a public university in Pennsylvania, United States. It has three campuses in the Pennsylvania boroughs of California, Clarion, and Edinboro.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the $19,352 average net price is genuinely affordable, and the $16,750 median debt at graduation is relatively low, which matters. However, only 51% of students finish their degree, and the 70% freshman retention rate suggests a meaningful chunk of students leave after year one — worth asking why before enrolling. If you're cost-conscious, have a clear plan, and would thrive at a regional public university with multiple Pennsylvania campuses, this could work, but come in with eyes open.

Founded
2022
Setting
Distant town

Popular Programs

Health Professions22%
Business & Marketing10%
Education8%
Visual & Performing Arts6%
Psychology5%
Social Sciences5%
Biological Sciences3%
Communications3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1076
Reading 75th %ile590
Math 75th %ile580

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$11,388
Out-of-State Tuition
$16,006
Avg Net Price
$19,352
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants37%
Median debt at graduation$16,750

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
51%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
70%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$44,800
after enrollment
Median Debt
$16,750
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$16,750
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$35,100
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$44,800
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.7x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White74%
Black8%
Hispanic/Latino4%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (8,134 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Pennsylvania Western University

250 University Avenue

California, PA 15419

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Pennsylvania

Browse all Pennsylvania schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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