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West Chester University of Pennsylvania

West Chester, PA·Public·14,164 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 14,164 students.

78%
Accept
14,164
Students
$23,331
Net Price
71%
Grad Rate
$51,200
Earnings
10 yr
$23,500
Debt

About This School

West Chester University of Pennsylvania is a public institution located in West Chester, Pennsylvania with approximately 14,164 undergraduate students enrolled. West Chester University of Pennsylvania has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 78%. The average net price after financial aid is $23,331 per year. The graduation rate is 71%, 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
Avg Faculty Salary
$11,216

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing26%
Health Professions15%
Education10%
Psychology9%
Biological Sciences4%
Visual & Performing Arts4%
Computer Science3%
Communications3%

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

Test Policy: Considered but not required

SAT Scores

Average Composite1187
Reading 75th %ile650
Math 75th %ile620

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite26

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$10,775
Out-of-State Tuition
$22,599
Avg Net Price
$23,331
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$17,018
$30–48k$17,414
$48–75k$20,417
$75–110k$24,715
$110k+$27,160

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants25%
Median debt at graduation$23,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
71%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
83%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$51,200
after enrollment
Median Debt
$23,500
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$39,800
Female graduates$39,200

Gap: 2% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$23,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$39,500
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$51,200
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.2x

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

White73%
Black10%
Hispanic/Latino8%
Asian3%
Two or more races4%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (14,164 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.
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