
700 S. High Street, West Chester, PA 19383, USA


West Chester University of Pennsylvania holds accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which is a recognized regional accrediting body. This accreditation affirms that the university meets established standards of quality in higher education, ensuring that the institution's academic programs, faculty qualifications, and student services adhere to rigorous criteria. Additionally, certain professional programs within the university have specialized accreditations that reflect their compliance with industry-specific standards, which can be crucial for students pursuing careers in those fields.
West Chester University of Pennsylvania requires prospective students to have completed a secondary school record and a college preparatory program. A General Educational Development (GED) credential is accepted in place of a traditional high school diploma. While submission of recommendations and other test scores is encouraged, they are not strictly mandatory. The university grants college credit for qualifying prior learning experiences, including Advanced Placement (AP) credits. There is no open admission policy, and dual credit options are not available.
The university does not mandate computer ownership for applicants, but leasing options may be provided. Admission testing requirements, including standardized exams like the SAT or ACT, are not specified as compulsory; however, recommendations for other testing are suggested. West Chester University admitted a substantial portion of applicants, with an acceptance rate of 79%, indicating a moderately selective admissions process.
Regarding test scores, admitted students tend to have average standardized test results. The mean SAT score is around 1160, placing students near the national median, with an average math score of 575 and writing score of 585. The average ACT score is 26, situating the student body in the upper middle range nationally.
Applications are numerous, with over 16,000 candidates competing for enrollment each year, and the university admits approximately 13,000 students annually. Enrollment reaches above 3,000 new students, reflecting a high level of intake compared to similar institutions. Female applicants and enrollees outnumber their male counterparts, though admission remains accessible to all.
West Chester University of Pennsylvania charges an application fee for prospective students submitting their admissions materials. This fee is a standard part of the application process and is required to be paid at the time of submission.
The university offers fee waivers to eligible applicants, which can help reduce financial barriers. These waivers are typically granted based on specific criteria, such as financial need or participation in qualifying programs. Students seeking a fee waiver must provide appropriate documentation or meet the university's established conditions for waiver eligibility.
West Chester University of Pennsylvania offers access to Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs through branch units available on its own campus as well as at cooperating host institutions. This arrangement allows prospective students to participate in ROTC training and leadership development while attending the university, either directly on site or via affiliation with nearby institutions that host these military training units.
West Chester University of Pennsylvania allows transfer students to apply for enrollment in the fall and spring semesters. The institution accepts transfer credits, including those earned through CLEP (both subject and general exams) and DANTES examinations, facilitating the recognition of prior academic achievements. Prospective transfer applicants should be aware that the university has a moderately difficult admission process. Additionally, recommendations are considered as part of the application, potentially enhancing a candidate's profile.
West Chester University of Pennsylvania offers a variety of study abroad programs designed to enhance students' academic and cultural experiences. These programs include semester- and year-long exchanges, faculty-led short-term trips during academic breaks, and summer sessions in multiple countries. The university supports a diverse range of destinations, allowing students to study in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and other regions, depending on their field of study and personal interests.
Students can choose programs that integrate coursework related to their majors with immersive cultural opportunities, ensuring both academic progress and global engagement. Moreover, the university provides guidance on credit transfer, program selection, and financial aid options tailored for study abroad participants. This comprehensive approach aims to make international education accessible and beneficial for a wide spectrum of students.
Median composite SAT score
1160Median composite ACT score
26Percent of students submitting ACT scores
1%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
14%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
Data not availableSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RecommendedFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
Data not availableOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
NoEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring