West Chester University of Pennsylvania is not selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCU) is 87.85%. This means that 88 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
How Competitiveness is West Chester University of Pennsylvania Admissions?
- Slightly Competitive: Applicants need average academics and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.

Although the acceptance rate is high, remember that to secure admission to any institution of higher learning, you must convince the admission staff that you are mentally and physically fit for the course of studies. Your GPA, class performance, SAT/ACT scores, and IB or AP courses can help your application stand out. If you do not perform well in one area, you can showcase your strengths in other areas, as WCU is not very strict in its admission, so improving other areas will help you secure admission.
To enhance your chances of admission, perform well in academics and other activities. If your GPA is not excellent, compensate by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses.
Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can improve your chances of admission.
West Chester University of Pennsylvania Admission Requirements
WCU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at WCU is 3.43. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A’s and B’s is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
If your GPA is between 3.13 and 3.43, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score. A minimum GPA of 3.03 is required.
Can I Get Into WCU Without SAT Or ACT?: West Chester University of Pennsylvania considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCU) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
West Chester University of Pennsylvania Average SAT Score: 1165
The average SAT score of the admitted students at West Chester University of Pennsylvania is 1165 on the 1600 SAT scale.
West Chester University of Pennsylvania SAT Competitiveness

This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1165 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1260 SAT or 30 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. West Chester University of Pennsylvania allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1080, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to WCU. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
West Chester University of Pennsylvania SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|
SAT Math | 575 | 530 | 620 |
SAT Reading | 595 | 550 | 640 |
SAT Composite | 1165 | 1080 | 1260 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1080 then you are below most of the admitted students at WCU and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1260 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1150
Can I get into West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCU) with a 1250 SAT?
With a 1250 SAT Score, your chances of admission at West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCU) are good but the admission staff at WCU tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCU) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at WCU is 27.
West Chester University of Pennsylvania ACT Competitiveness

This score makes West Chester University of Pennsylvania Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 27 on the ACT.
West Chester University of Pennsylvania ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|
ACT Math | 24 | 21 | 27 |
ACT English | 26 | 22 | 30 |
ACT Composite | 27 | 23 | 30 |
Can I get into West Chester University of Pennsylvania with a 30 ACT?
With a 30 ACT Score, your chances of admission at West Chester University of Pennsylvania are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
SAT Vs ACT: Which score to send
You can compare your scores in SAT and ACT to the average SAT and ACT Scores of the admitted students at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. More importantly, comparing your scores with the 25th and 75th percentiles of SAT and ACT scores will give you a better understanding of where you stand. If your score on the SAT is near the 75th percentile SAT score, then you must send your SAT score. If your ACT score is near the 75th percentile, then you must send your ACT Score.
But there is more, if both of your scores are in the same range, then it is better to send an ACT Score, as in the case of ACT, you can control which score to send as opposed to SAT.
Here is how: When sending the ACT Score, you can decide which score you want to send to the colleges. You could take 8 ACT tests, and only send your highest one. This is not the case with the SAT, where your score report mentions all of your attempts.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 27.WCU Profile
Name: West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCU)
City: West Chester
State: Pennsylvania
Type: Public
Zip: 19383
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
How much does a degree from WCU Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at West Chester University of Pennsylvania is USD: 28335. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at West Chester University of Pennsylvania is USD: 24128
How can I get a scholarship?
24.52% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 52.47 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to WCU and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At West Chester University of Pennsylvania, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist WCU as your choice in the form.
How much a WCU Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the WCU graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 61258. An average WCU graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595

Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than West Chester University of Pennsylvania. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of West Chester University of Pennsylvania, you'll be competitive for these schools.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
University of South Alabama | University of South Alabama, AL | 1118 | 23 |
Arkansas State University | Arkansas State University, AR | 1119 | 22 |
University of Central Arkansas | University of Central Arkansas, AR | 1118 | 22 |
Azusa Pacific University | Azusa Pacific University, CA | 1132 | 25 |
University of La Verne | University of La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
William Jessup University | William Jessup University, CA | 1130 | NA |
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, CO | 1150 | 24 |
Fort Lewis College | Fort Lewis College, CO | 1147 | 22 |
Regis University | Regis University, CO | 1149 | 24 |
Western Colorado University | Western Colorado University, CO | 1154 | 25 |

Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as West Chester University of Pennsylvania. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for West Chester University of Pennsylvania, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
University of Arkansas | University of Arkansas, AR | 1167 | 25 |
University of Saint Joseph | University of Saint Joseph, CT | 1170 | NA |
Howard University | Howard University, DC | 1164 | 23 |
Flagler College | Flagler College, FL | 1168 | 26 |
Jacksonville University | Jacksonville University, FL | 1165 | 23 |

More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than West Chester University of Pennsylvania. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham-Southern College, AL | 1218 | 26 |
University of Mobile | University of Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
Samford University | Samford University, AL | 1227 | 26 |
University of Arizona | University of Arizona, AZ | 1229 | 25 |
John Brown University | John Brown University, AR | 1218 | 26 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Anthropology
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Chemistry
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
Frequently Asked Questions About West Chester University of Pennsylvania Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $61258 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee for West Chester University of Pennsylvania?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $28335 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship at West Chester University of Pennsylvania?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate for West Chester University of Pennsylvania?
Answer: The acceptance rate of West Chester University of Pennsylvania is 87.85 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students at West Chester University of Pennsylvania?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.43. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission to West Chester University of Pennsylvania?
Answer: The minimum GPA required for admission is typically around 3.13, though this can vary depending on other factors such as test scores, extracurriculars, and essays.
Question: What are my chances at West Chester University of Pennsylvania with a 3.13 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.13 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays.
Question: Can I apply to West Chester University of Pennsylvania if my GPA is below 3.03
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.43, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement for West Chester University of Pennsylvania?
Answer: Admission to West Chester University of Pennsylvania is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1165 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1080-1260
Question: Is it possible to transfer to West Chester University of Pennsylvania from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer to West Chester University of Pennsylvania each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: What is the campus culture like at West Chester University of Pennsylvania?
Answer: The campus culture at West Chester University of Pennsylvania is diverse and vibrant, with numerous student organizations, sports teams, and cultural activities. It’s an ideal environment for personal growth and building lifelong connections.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting into West Chester University of Pennsylvania?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by West Chester University of Pennsylvania.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.