The Clarion University of Pennsylvania (Clarion) is a comprehensive four-year institution that offers classes in the arts, science, and professional fields. It is a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education serving over 7,000 students on a 128-acre campus in western Pennsylvania. It offers more than 90 academic degree programs for undergraduates and graduate students and confers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees.
| Overall Score (about) | 83.4 |
| Total Cost On-Campus Attendance | $27,975 |
| Admission Success rate | N/A |
| ACT / SAT 75%ile scores | 22 / 1130 |
| Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty | 16 : 1 |
| Retention (full-time / part-time) | 74% / 56% |
| Enrollment Total (all students) | 4,864 |
Over 90 degree programs for undergraduates and graduates are offered. The university is also home to 28 nationally accredited programs, making it the school with the most nationally accredited programs in the state of Pennsylvania. Students can enroll in a variety of majors with additional minors or concentrations. They can also pursue non-degree programs, certificate programs, and pre-professional programs like pre-law, pre-MBA, and pre-medicine.
The school’s academic offerings are organized into five colleges:
The College of Arts and Sciences is the largest college by enrollment, offering nearly 30 degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s level. Students in this college are encouraged to explore their academic potential through a diverse curriculum, individualized teaching, and community service. This college offers majors like English, Economics, mathematics, theatre, biology, and more.
The Colleges of Business, Education, and Nursing offer education for students who are seeking a more practical and professionally-oriented university track. These majors will prepare students for careers directly after graduation or for graduate school in specific areas. Students can take classes like marketing, accountancy, nursing, and early childhood education.
Exceptional students may be eligible for the Honors Program, which rewards academically talented students with an intellectual community of scholars and a more challenging curriculum. Honors scholars must take at least 21 honors credits in order to receive diploma recognition as an Honors student. Honors students also get priority registration, eligibility for restricted scholarships, smaller classes, individualized faculty mentorship, and international opportunities. To be eligible, students must have scored at least an 1150 on the SAT mathematics and critical reading portions and have graduated high school with a GPA of at least 3.64. Interested applicants will need to submit a written statement and optional recommendations as well as completing a personal interview.
The Small Business Development Center is a special service offered by the University in an effort to help grow the economy of western Pennsylvania. It seeks to give entrepreneurs and small business owners the tools they need to turn their business ideas into successful, thriving realities. The SBDC offers consultation services to business clients within its 10-county service area. Small business owners can get in touch with the Center for consultations, training, research, technology assistance, or even student interns. This is also a great opportunity for students who want to seek out local businesses for part-time internships and work experience.
This is a competitive application institution, which means that not every applicant is guaranteed a spot at the university. Students are chosen for acceptance based on demonstrated academic excellence, character, extracurricular interests and activities, and compatibility with the university.
Students should begin the application process by filling out the online application form through the school’s website. Applicants will also need to submit an official, sealed copy of their high school transcript, SAT or ACT scores, and an application fee. It is also recommended that students submit an essay and recommendation forms from teachers or counselors. The more complete an application is, the better the chances of being accepted.
Particular departments require additional application steps. For example, students in the music department must schedule an audition with the department before the application deadline. Nursing majors must apply by a special deadline, take the National League of Nursing exam, and submit an essay about their interest in the field of nursing and their career goals within the field.
Students seeking financial aid should begin by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form determines eligibility for a variety of federal aid programs, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. It is also required as a supplementary document for many third-party scholarship and loan applications.
Further aid is available through third party scholarships and grants as well as through certain scholarships sponsored by the school itself. Students who are interested in additional sponsorship should visit the Financial Aid Office for resources, guidance, and assistance.
Students come from 45 states and 31 foreign countries. They are part of a diverse student population that represents a wide variety of beliefs, interests, and backgrounds.
Living on campus is an easy and effective way to get involved. There are seven residence halls, apartments, and suites for students to live in. Staying on campus can help you meet new people, participate in hall events, walk to classes, and have easy access to facilities like the gym and dining halls. With a room just minutes away from any activity, you’ll never miss out on the action!
Students can participate in more than 130 clubs and organizations. Clubs are a great way to find a group of people with similar interests, and include everything from honorary societies and career-oriented associations to Greek life and intramural sports. You can even get involved in the student government and take an active role in shaping the campus for future years of students.
Clarion is nestled in western Pennsylvania in the Appalachian Mountain region. It offers beautiful countryside and natural environments for students to explore, as well as biking trails and areas to walk and run. It is home to the Autumn Leaf Festival, a tradition of over 50 years that has evolved from a small local event to a large festival with two parades, floats, decorations, and full community participation.
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