Overview
Enrollment
| Location | California, Pennsylvania |
| Online | calu.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Town Fringe |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
PennWest California, located in California, Pennsylvania, approximately 35 miles south of Pittsburgh, operates as a public university campus within the Pennsylvania Western University system. The 294-acre suburban campus, established in 1852 as a teachers' college, features a mix of historic and modern academic buildings along the Monongahela River. The institution maintains a focus on professional programs including education, criminal justice, and commercial music technology, while also offering liberal arts degrees across multiple disciplines. Students can choose from traditional residence halls and suite-style housing options on campus, and the university competes in NCAA Division II athletics as the Vulcans, primarily in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.
Rankings
Rankings for PennWest California within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#1038 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#443 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#80 in Best Colleges in Pennsylvania
#20 in Best Public Colleges in Pennsylvania
#64 in Best Value Colleges in Pennsylvania
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Annual Cost to Attend
Pennsylvania Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Other Fees | $3,392 |
| Room and Board | $10,416 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $5,002 |
| Total One Year Cost | $27,526 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Other Fees | $3,392 |
| Room and Board | $10,416 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $5,002 |
| Total One Year Cost | $31,384 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 15% |
| Health Professions | 11% |
| Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies | 11% |
| Education | 10% |
| Liberal Arts and Humanities | 7% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering PennWest California are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=211361 IPEDS survey data for PennWest California.
Current students may use the PennWest California GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025