Overview
Enrollment
| Location | West Chester, Pennsylvania |
| Online | wcupa.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Large Suburban |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Located in West Chester, Pennsylvania, approximately 25 miles west of Philadelphia, West Chester University is a public institution within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. The university's 406-acre main campus features a mix of historic 19th-century and modern buildings, with Georgian-style architecture predominant throughout the grounds. As the largest state university in the Philadelphia region, West Chester offers undergraduate and graduate programs across five colleges, with particular strengths in education, business, health sciences, and music?its School of Music is one of the oldest accredited programs in the country. The university maintains traditional residence halls and apartment-style living options primarily for underclassmen and transfers, while its Division II athletic teams, known as the Golden Rams, compete in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
WCU is rated within the top 47% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for West Chester University of Pennsylvania within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#532 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#162 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#46 in Best Colleges in Pennsylvania
#5 in Best Public Colleges in Pennsylvania
#586 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#50 in Best Value Colleges in Pennsylvania
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1100/1270 |
| ACT | 24/28 |
| GPA | 3.43 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $45 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Pennsylvania Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $2,971 |
| Room and Board | $12,474 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,740 |
| Total One Year Cost | $29,101 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $2,971 |
| Room and Board | $12,474 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,740 |
| Total One Year Cost | $40,675 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 16% |
| Education | 16% |
| Health Professions | 14% |
| English and Literature | 9% |
| Liberal Arts and Humanities | 9% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering WCU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=216764 IPEDS survey data for West Chester University of Pennsylvania.
Current students may use the West Chester University of Pennsylvania GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025