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Pennsylvania Western University

250 University Avenue, California, PA 15419, USA

Pennsylvania Western University award
Pennsylvania Western University award
US ranking
position: 363
Tuition & fees per year: $12,075
Acceptance rate: 94.00%
Median alumni salary: $45,005
Avg. SAT and ACT: N/A
Entrance difficulty: Easy

What does Pennsylvania Western University offer in terms of athletics?

Pennsylvania Western University provides a broad range of athletic programs for students interested in participating in collegiate sports. The university fields teams for both men and women across various disciplines, offering competitive opportunities in NCAA Division II. Students can engage in sports such as basketball, soccer, track and field, and volleyball, among others.

The university supports a comprehensive athletics infrastructure, including training facilities and coaching staff dedicated to developing student-athletes both on and off the field. This emphasis on athletics complements their academic programs by encouraging teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness.

In addition to varsity sports, Pennsylvania Western University also offers intramural and club sports, allowing students to participate in less formal competition or recreational activities. These options provide a chance for wider student involvement regardless of skill level or prior experience.

Prospective students looking for a university with a well-rounded athletic environment can expect access to various sports, opportunities for personal growth, and a supportive community focused on fostering athletic participation alongside academic achievement.

What student groups and Associations are available at Pennsylvania Western University?

Pennsylvania Western University offers a variety of student organizations catering to diverse interests. Prospective students can engage with groups such as the Rainbow Alliance, which likely focuses on LGBTQ+ community support and advocacy. The Stand provides another platform for student involvement, though specific activities are not detailed. For those interested in gaming culture, the Vulcan Gaming Club presents opportunities to connect with peers who share this passion. Creative students might find a fit in the Animation Club, which fosters artistic development and collaboration. Additionally, the Spirit of Scots Marching Band offers an outlet for musical expression and school spirit.

Who studies at Pennsylvania Western University?

Pennsylvania Western University hosts a diverse student population characterized by a predominance of in-state residents, who make up 89% of the student body. This figure ranks in the top 20% nationally, indicating a strong local enrollment presence. Out-of-state students comprise a much smaller portion, only 9%, which is relatively low compared to other institutions, placing it in the bottom 25% for this category. Most students are from within the United States, accounting for 98%, while international students represent a modest share of the campus demographic.

The university enrolls an average number of students, with 1,617 freshmen and 532 transfer students each year, totaling 2,149 new enrollees. These figures place the institution in the upper tiers nationally, within the top 35% for freshmen and top 45% for transfers, indicating a steady influx of both new high school graduates and transfer candidates.

The age distribution of students reflects a traditional college-age majority alongside a notable presence of older learners. Among undergraduates, the largest groups are ages 18 to 21, showing typical enrollment patterns; 2,787 students aged 18 to 19 and 2,843 aged 20 to 21 attend. Graduate students tend to be older, with significant numbers between 25 and 49 years old, including 730 aged 25 to 29 and 473 aged 40 to 49, highlighting the university's appeal to a range of adult learners and professionals pursuing advanced degrees.

Racial and ethnic composition reveals a campus with a majority of White students, numbering 5,319, which ranks in the top 25% nationally and signals a significant presence. African American students account for 623, making up about half of the comparative national percentile, while Hispanic students, numbering 333, fall within the average range nationally. Other ethnic groups such as Asian and Native American students represent smaller segments of the population but collectively contribute to the university's diversity. Notably, an unusually large portion of students-746 individuals-are categorized under unknown ethnicity, a figure that is very high compared to other universities.

How does student life look like at Pennsylvania Western University?

Student life at Pennsylvania Western University is supported by a campus that spans 294 acres, providing ample space for various activities and events. The campus fosters a vibrant cultural environment with a campus newspaper, drama productions, a radio station, a TV station, a band, and a chorus all available to students. These offerings cater to diverse interests and encourage student participation in creative and media-related pursuits.

Health and support services are accessible on campus, including a health clinic, psychological counseling, and a veterans affairs office, demonstrating attention to student wellbeing and support for veterans. Additionally, the university has a dedicated women's center, contributing to an inclusive campus environment.

The institution does not participate in NCAA athletics, which may influence the nature of sports and recreation opportunities. The student-to-faculty ratio stands at 18: 1, indicating moderately sized classes that can provide meaningful interaction with faculty. The overall enrollment level is average, with a total student body of 10,834 students, including 1,467 full-time degree-seeking students.

What libraries are available to students at Pennsylvania Western University?

Pennsylvania Western University provides students access to the Manderino Library, its primary and sole library facility. The institution's library resources reflect an average level among comparable universities, with just one library in total, placing it in the lower 40th percentile for the number of libraries available.

The Manderino Library offers a substantial collection, including approximately 666,812 physical books, which ranks it in the top 40% for book holdings among peer institutions. Digital resources are also significant, with around 682,520 ebooks accessible, situating the library slightly above the median level nationally.

Subscription services include 7,677 individual subscriptions and a larger pool of 118,866 digital subscriptions; however, these figures place the university below the median range, in the bottom half compared to similar schools. The university provides access to 101 databases, which aligns similarly in the lower 50% bracket.

Student amenities include study rooms and physical facilities that support academic work on campus. The library operates for approximately 76 hours weekly with established service hours, although it does not offer all-day access. Both digital and physical access to resources are available, supported by trained library staff. Additionally, students benefit from access to shared collections beyond the immediate holdings of the Manderino Library, which expands the scope of available research materials.

Pennsylvania Western University Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

10834

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

1467

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

453 full time, 116 part time

Veterans affair office

Yes

Pennsylvania Western University Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Manderino Library

Number of libraries on campus

1

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

Pennsylvania Western University Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

Pennsylvania Western University Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Pennsylvania Western University Location & Map

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