West Chester is regularly ranked as one of the best college towns in America
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
West Chester, Pennsylvania
About This Campus
The borough of West Chester is a beautiful suburban college town with a vibrant presence thanks to its thriving small business, engaged local community, and of course – West Chester University students! The town of West Chester is within walking distance of the campus and we have buses that connect to train service and the larger shopping centers. King of Prussia is one of the notably recognized shopping centers in the country and is just a short bus or car ride away. We are also close to Lancaster Co. Amish Country and other cultural attractions. West Chester is close to Philadelphia and within a short train or car ride journey to Washington, D.C., New York City and the Jersey Shore.
West Chester offers a superb Music Department and Theater and Arts Department. There are also many opportunities for involvement in student organizations.
WCU is only 30 miles from Philadelphia and under 2.5 hours to D.C. and NYC
WCU has an average class size of 25-35 students
Helpful Information
Prefer students to live on campus. You will become more involved in campus life. Scheduling of classes gets difficult and there are more class time opportunities if close to campus. Since you cannot register for classes until the non-degree registration opens, scheduling for some popular majors is difficult. Please try to be flexible and have some Gen Ed classes and free electives in your request for classes.
Location Information
West Chester is a suburban college town located 25 miles southeast of Philadelphia. It is within a short train or car ride journey to Washington, D.C. and New York City.
Academics
REGISTRATION:
TERM DATES:
Fall Start Date: 08/26/2026 - Fall End Date: 12/12/2026
Spring Start Date: 01/19/2027 - Spring End Date: 05/08/2027
CLOSED PROGRAMS:
Nursing
RESTRICTED/LIMITED PROGRAMS:
Art and Music Majors need to get in touch with Dept. Chair as these classes may require review or audition. Education course are limited for incoming exchange students.
OPTIONS:
Honors Access: No
UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS OPEN TO NSE STUDENTS:
- Accounting
- Actuarial Science
- African American Studies
- American Studies
- Anthropology
- Applied Mathematics
- Arabic
- Art
- Art History
- Astronomy
- Athletic Training
- Biochemistry
- Biology/Life Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- Business Management
- Cell Biology
- Chemistry
- Chinese
- Chiropractic
- Coaching
- Communication
- Communication Disorders
- Communication Studies
- Computer and Information Science
- Creative Writing
- Criminal Justice
- Dance
- Design
- Dietetics
- Digital Communications and Media/Multimedia
- Early Childhood Education
- Earth Science
- Economics
- Elementary Education
- Engineering Physics
- English
- Entrepreneurship
- Environmental Health Engineering
- Ethnic Studies
- Exercise Science
- Finance/Banking
- French
- Geography
- Geology
- German
- Global Studies
- Government
- Graphic Design
- Health Education
- History
- Human Resource Management
- Information Technology
- International Business
- International Relations
- Italian
- Japanese
- Jazz Studies
- Journalism
- Kinesiology
- Latin American Studies
- Law Enforcement/Police Sciences
- Literature
- Marine Sciences
- Marketing
- Mathematics
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Music
- Music Education
- Music History
- Music Theory and Composition
- Music Therapy
- Nutrition
- Occupational Therapy
- Performance and Directing
- Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Philosophy
- Physical Education
- Physical Therapy
- Physics
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Public Policy Studies
- Religious Studies/Theology
- Respiratory Therapy
- Russian
- Secondary Education
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Special Education
- Statistics
- Studio Art
- Supply Chain Management
- Theater Arts/Drama/Acting
- Urban Planning
- Urban Studies
- Web Design
- Women and Gender Studies
Conditions
GPA AND OTHER ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS:
- General Eligibility Requirements
- No students accepted from within my own state, province, or territory
EXCHANGE PREFERENCES:
- Full Year Exchange: Accepted
- Single Term Exchange: Accepted
- Summer Exchange: Not Available
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS (Visa Students):
- Receive from Canada: Will Accept Away Pay
- Does your campus accept International Students (those already in the U.S. on a student visa)?
CANADIAN EXCHANGE:
Learn More
- Accept international students studying in Canada on a visa? - Yes
- Accept Canadian students on J1 visa or F1 visa? - J1 Visa
Tuition/Finance
TUITION:
- Campus Budget
- Fees are subject to change without notice
- Home Tuition Payment: Not Available
-
Away Tuition Payment: Available
Estimated cost:
Per Term Tuition (Resident-Rate) - $7716
Per Term Mandatory Fees - $2582
MAXIMUM CREDIT HOURS PER SEMESTER:
- Home Payment: 19
- Host Payment: 19
MISCELLANEOUS FEES:
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Please see the following website for payment plan information: https://www.wcupa.edu/_information/AFA/Fiscal/Bursar/paymentPlans.aspx
Canadian students may incur additional fees relating to their student visa and services provided by the International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) office.
Room/Meals
ON-CAMPUS HOUSING PER SEMESER:
- Is on-campus housing available? Yes
- Is on-campus living required? No
- Number of reserved housing spaces:
- Average Room Cost (per term): $3324
- On-Campus Housing
Off-CAMPUS HOUSING:
NOTES ABOUT ON-CAMPUS HOUSING:
Our Housing Dept. works well with us to supply housing for our NSE students
MEAL PLANS:
- Are meal plans available on campus? Yes
- Is a meal plan purchase required for on-campus, non-apartment residence halls? Yes
- Average Meal Plan Cost (per term): $2364
Chance of Acceptance
Priority Placements for Academic Year 26/27
If this is your top choice campus...
Home Tuition Payment Plan
This campus is not accepting students on this tuition payment plan.
Away Tuition Payment Plan
This campus usually accepts all eligible applicants. Apply and start packing your bags!
If this is your alternate choice campus...
Home Tuition Payment Plan
This campus is not accepting students on this tuition payment plan.
Away Tuition Payment Plan
This campus usually accepts all eligible applicants. Apply and start packing your bags!