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West Chester University of Pennsylvania

West Chester, PA·Public·14,067 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 14,067 students.

79%
Accept
14,067
Students
$22,673
Net Price
70%
Grad Rate
$51,200
Earnings
10 yr
$18,750
Debt

About This School

West Chester University of Pennsylvania is a public institution located in West Chester, Pennsylvania with approximately 14,067 undergraduate students enrolled. West Chester University of Pennsylvania has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 79%. The average net price after financial aid is $22,673 per year. The graduation rate is 70%, and the typical graduate earns $51,200 within 10 years of enrollment.

West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCUPA), commonly known as West Chester University (WCU), is a public research university in West Chester, Pennsylvania, United States. The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity". With 17,275 undergraduate and graduate students as of 2022, WCU is the largest of the 10 state-owned universities belonging to the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) and the sixth largest university in Pennsylvania. It also maintains a Center City Philadelphia satellite campus on Market Street.

The largest school in Pennsylvania's state system offers real value — median debt at graduation is just $18,750, which is manageable against median earnings of $51,200 ten years out. Worth considering if you want an affordable, accredited university with a broad range of programs and a lively campus community near Philadelphia. The 70% graduation rate is decent but not exceptional, so motivated students should go in with a plan and take advantage of support resources early.

Founded
1871
Setting
Large suburb

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing25%
Health Professions16%
Education10%
Psychology8%
English4%
Biological Sciences4%
Computer Science4%
Visual & Performing Arts3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Jill BidenMatthew McGroryJessica BarthVictoria ZdrokAsher RothTom WrightJoseph R. PittsNafessa WilliamsGeno Auriemma

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1184
Reading 75th %ile640
Math 75th %ile630

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite26

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$10,687
Out-of-State Tuition
$22,511
Avg Net Price
$22,673
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants25%
Median debt at graduation$18,750

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
70%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
84%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$51,200
after enrollment
Median Debt
$18,750
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$18,750
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$39,500
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$51,200
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%
Black11%
Hispanic/Latino8%
Asian3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (14,067 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

West Chester University of Pennsylvania

University Avenue and High Street

West Chester, PA 19383

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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