West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCU) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

West Chester University of Pennsylvania (West Chester) is a public university located about 25 miles west of Philadelphia. The university has been in existence since 1812 and has seen many changes, including name changes, throughout the years. In 1983, the university assumed its current name when it became a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

The school is especially well-known for its attractive campus. One section, featuring buildings made of native serpentine stone, is a designated Historic District by the National Register of Historic Places. The historic district includes the Old Library, Recitation Hall, and Ruby Jones Hall.

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Information Summary

Ranks 30th in Pennsylvania and 377th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	88.8
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$27,074
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	26 / 1200
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	20 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	84% / 60%
Enrollment Total (all students)	17,527

Academics

Students can pursue the following undergraduate degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Education, and a Teaching Certificate. Graduate programs include Masters of Science, Masters of Business Administration, Masters of Arts, Masters of Education, Masters of Public Health, Masters of Music, The university also offers graduate studies in law, theology, and medicine and a variety of certificates in computer science, health, kinesiology, music, mathematics, and more.

Areas of Strength

This college is remarkable for its strengths in formal poetry and Holocaust and Genocide Studies. Interdisciplinary studies are also a featured part of academic life. Areas of study with transcript recognition include American studies, ethnic studies, Latin American studies, Russian studies, peace and conflict studies, women’s studies, and linguistics.

Dual Degree Programs

WCU participates in a 3-2 dual degree program with Pennsylvania State University to expedite master’s degrees for students in liberal arts, physics, and engineering. The school also has admissions agreements with the Drexel School of Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Widener School of Law, and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Unique Programs

Frederick Douglass Society

West Chester is considered to be a particularly welcoming and nurturing environment for African American students, in part due to the Frederick Douglass Society. The society is an organization of faculty and staff and raises money for several scholarships.

The Institute for Women

The Institute for Women oversees the Women’s Studies Program, the Women’s Center, and a number of other programs and awards on campus, including scholarships for older female students.

National Student Exchange Program

The university is a member organization of the National Student Exchange Program, allowing their students to study for as long as a year at one of over 170 schools in the United States.

Admissions

The admissions office evaluates applications on a rolling basis. Prospective students must submit an online application, a modest fee, a personal statement, a high school transcript with high school counselor form, and official SAT or ACT scores. Applicants should have a combined SAT of 1020 or higher, a GPA of 3.0 or better in college preparatory curriculum, and should graduate in the top 40% of their class. The average admitted student has a high school GPA of 3.45, a combined SAT or 1078, and ranks in the top 31% of his or her class. Students are also expected to have studied 4 years of English, 3 years of math, 3 years of science, 3 years of social studies, and some foreign language.

Further Requirements by Department

Students applying to the music programs will need to audition as well. Interviews are required for students applying for Athletic Training, Pre-Medical, Pharmaceutical Product Development, and Respiratory Care.

Exceptional Cases

Students who show promise but do not meet the standard academic requirements for admission may enter West Chester through a reduced course load program or, for Pennsylvania residents, after successfully completing the Summer Academic Development program.

Financial Aid

In addition to the wide range of state and financial aid options open to any college or university student in Pennsylvania, West Chester offers several of their own need- and merit-based scholarships. The majority of students receive aid of some kind. Merit based scholarships are available to students with SAT scores of over 1200 and who rank in the top 20% of their class. Students who meet these criteria are encouraged to apply early in the fall of their senior year. Many students in math and science degree programs receive scholarship funds from the Pennsylvania Space Grant Consortium.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 1858th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Pennsylvania.

Students

Greek Life

There are more than 25 Greek organizations on campus. Fraternities and sororities sponsor campus-wide activities and events, participate in service opportunities, and provide leadership opportunities on campus.

Marching Band

West Chester is known for its large and disciplined marching band, which has performed in such venues as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Philadelphia Eagles games, and the Bands of America Grand National Championships.

Dining on Campus

There are eleven different dining locations on campus, including both traditional dining halls and convenient options such as Starbucks, Einstein Bros Bagels, and a Taco Taco Food Truck. There are many vegetarian and vegan options, and students with special dietary restrictions are encouraged to meet with the executive chef to ensure that their needs are met.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

The athletics department is known as the Golden Rams. The Golden Rams compete in NCAA Division II. Men’s sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, swimming & diving, tennis, and track & field. Women’s sports include basketball, cheerleading, cross country, field hockey, golf, gymnastics, lacrosse, rugby, soccer, softball, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field, and volleyball.

The Campus Recreation department offers sports clubs, intramural sports, group fitness, recreational swims, and a fully equipped fitness center free for student use.

Alumni

Well-known alumni include Second Lady of the United States Jill Biden, composer Melissa Dunphy, rapper Asher Roth, actor Tom Wright, New York Yankees second baseman Pat Kelly, and professional hockey player Jim Gehring.

West Chester University of Pennsylvania