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West Chester University of Pennsylvania

West Chester, Pennsylvania

17,171 Students on Campus
West Chester Location
20,000 Metro Population
17,171 Students on Campus
West Chester Location
20,000 Metro Population

About This Campus

A major university with a small-town feel, West Chester University (WCU) is a top-ranked public, regional, comprehensive institution founded in 1871 and located in West Chester, Pennsylvania. The largest of the 10 universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, WCU serves more than 17,000 students across 118+ undergraduate programs. With over 300 active student organizations, students have countless opportunities to get involved and build community. WCU is located in the borough of West Chester, a vibrant suburban college town known for its thriving small businesses, engaged local community, and walkable downtown just steps from campus. Public transportation connects students to regional rail, major shopping centers, and nearby destinations including King of Prussia, Philadelphia, Amish Country, Washington, D.C., New York City, the Jersey Shore, and other cultural attractions.

West Chester is regularly ranked as one of the best college towns in America

WCU is only 25 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

If is preferred that students live on campus to become involved in campus life and to fuel academic success. Off campus housing can be expensive and limited. Scheduling of classes takes place with non-degree student registrations. So it is ideal to have some general education requirements and free electives within your request for classes. Registration for some poplar majors' courses may be challenging, depending on your major.

Location Information

West Chester is a suburban college town located 25 miles southeast of Philadelphia. Public transportation connects students to regional rail, major shopping centers, and nearby destinations including King of Prussia, Philadelphia, Amish Country, Washington, D.C., New York City, the Jersey Shore, and other cultural attractions.

Academics

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:

Conditions

GPA AND OTHER ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS:
EXCHANGE PREFERENCES:
  • Full Year Exchange: Accepted
  • Single Term Exchange: Accepted
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS (Visa Students):
  • Does your campus accept International Students (those already in the U.S. on a student visa)? Will accept on Home or Away
CANADIAN EXCHANGE:
Learn More
  • Receive from Canada: Will Accept Away Pay
  • Accept international students studying in Canada on a visa? - Yes

Tuition/Finance

Figures per Semester are current as of 10/01/2024
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:
Purpose
Amount
Period
Plan
Status
Parking Fee
$30
Term
Away & Home
Optional
NSE Program Fee
$200
Year
Away & Home
Mandatory
IMPORTANT NOTES:

Please see the following website for payment plan information: https://www.wcupa.edu/_information/AFA/Fiscal/Bursar/paymentPlans.aspx

Financial Aid for NSE Students. Regardless of Payment Plan, financial aid is awarded by and disbursed from your home campus.

Room/Meals

Figures per Semester are current as of 01/29/2026
ON-CAMPUS HOUSING PER SEMESER:
  • Is on-campus housing available? Yes
  • Is on-campus living required? No
  • Number of reserved housing spaces: 0
  • Average Room Cost (per term): $4531.62
  • 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
Fees are subject to change without notice.

Chance of Acceptance

Priority Placements for Academic Year 26/27

If this is your top choice campus...

Home Tuition Payment Plan

Closed

This campus is not accepting students on this tuition payment plan.

Away Tuition Payment Plan

Open

This campus usually accepts all eligible applicants. Apply and start packing your bags!

If this is your alternate choice campus...

Home Tuition Payment Plan

Closed

This campus is not accepting students on this tuition payment plan.

Away Tuition Payment Plan

Open

This campus usually accepts all eligible applicants. Apply and start packing your bags!

Resources

CAMPUS SOCIAL MEDIA: