West Chester University Of Pennsylvania

West Chester University admits 79.2% of applicants, meaning roughly 4 in 5 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places West Chester in the Open Access category, providing broad educational opportunity to Pennsylvania residents and beyond. The peer median admission rate of 78.1% indicates West Chester's acceptance rate aligns closely with similar public institutions serving comparable student populations.

This level of accessibility means most academically prepared students can expect admission to West Chester University. However, admission to specific competitive programs may involve additional requirements or higher standards than general university admission. Students should view West Chester as a solid foundation option when building college lists, offering reliable access combined with strong outcomes in targeted academic areas. The university's open access philosophy supports its role in providing educational opportunity while maintaining academic quality through program-specific excellence rather than admission exclusivity. For students seeking broader admission options, West Chester's acceptance rate provides confidence while still delivering meaningful post-graduation outcomes.

West Chester University's published cost of attendance reaches $27,559 annually, including $22,511 in out-of-state tuition, $12,474 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. In-state residents pay significantly less with tuition of $10,687. However, the average student pays $22,673 after financial aid, representing savings of $4,886 from the sticker price.

The net price of $22,673 significantly exceeds the peer median of $15,590 by $7,083, indicating West Chester costs substantially more than comparable public institutions. This cost premium places West Chester at a competitive disadvantage relative to similar universities, particularly for students comparing public options. The higher-than-peer costs contribute to the university's modestly below average affordability ranking at the 37th percentile nationally. Students should carefully evaluate whether West Chester's program-specific strengths justify the cost premium, particularly when considering alternatives with similar outcomes at lower prices.

West Chester University graduates show steady earnings progression over time, with median earnings growing from $51,013 six years after enrollment to $58,013 at eight years and $61,258 at ten years, representing 20.1% growth from the six-year mark. These outcomes reflect data from substantial cohorts of over 4,000 graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures.

Low-income graduates earn $48,700, which while respectable in absolute terms, contributes to the institution's below-expectations performance on earnings uplift. The university generates $9,297 less in earnings than predicted based on student demographics and institutional characteristics, placing it in the 17th percentile nationally for value-added outcomes. Approximately 24.4% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education. The substantial variation in outcomes—from $41,905 to $83,592—underscores the importance of program selection at West Chester University.

West Chester University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for analysis. Adult and Continuing Education ranks #26 nationally and #1 in Pennsylvania, graduating 242 students with median earnings of $49,041 and an exceptional value score of 88.5. Creative Writing ranks #5 nationally and #2 in Pennsylvania, producing 176 graduates earning $52,134 with a value score of 90.5.

Exercise Science and Kinesiology ranks #50 nationally and #1 in Pennsylvania, graduating 168 students with median earnings of $52,434. The university's Corrections Administration program ranks #35 nationally and #1 in Pennsylvania, producing 142 graduates earning $53,788. Clinical Nutrition ranks #3 nationally and #1 in Pennsylvania, though with a smaller cohort of 100 graduates earning $50,794. Several programs achieve flagship status, with Psychology (236 graduates) and Business Administration (219 graduates) representing the university's largest enrollment areas while maintaining solid earnings outcomes.