PennWest California
California, PA
California, PA
Make your move to PennWest California!
PennWest California focuses on higher education that molds graduates for high-impact careers. Our special mission in science and technology and our commitment to community service prepare graduates to blaze through the challenges of the workplaces of tomorrow. Whether you study on our beautiful riverside campus or online, your education begins with a solid academic foundation. Located south of Pittsburgh—one of the nation’s most innovative regions—PennWest California offers more than 100 undergraduate programs of study and 90+ graduate and professional degree programs, plus professional certificates and licensures.
In touch with the workplace
The University’s expert professors monitor workforce needs and develop new programs in high-demand fields. Many of our academic programs are accredited by national agencies—assurance that our programs meet the highest standards for excellence. And most academic programs include hands-on activities, fieldwork, clinical practice, or meaningful research, so you can strengthen your résumé even before graduation.
Affordable education
As a member of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, PennWest California is your best value for higher education. Every applicant who submits the FAFSA is considered for financial assistance. PennWest California provides need-based aid to 74% of undergraduate students. The Financial Aid Office will create a personalized financial aid package to suit your specific situation.
PennWest California is committed to assisting our transfer students as they forge their future. College credit is generously awarded for prior coursework, and previously earned certifications or other on-the-job learning may shorten your time to graduation. For a courtesy transfer credit evaluation, complete the request form at calu.edu/transfer.
About our transfer process
Transfer students make up more than one-third of PennWest California’s new student class each year. Our goal is to ensure you receive a fair and timely assessment of all your credits. PennWest California evaluates credits from schools if you’ve earned a grade of D or better. Pennsylvania’s statewide transfer system guarantees your credits will transfer from Pennsylvania community colleges, Lackawanna College, or one of the 14 Pennsylvania State System schools. We also review military credits and Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) as well as CLEP, DANTES, AP Tests, and International Baccalaureate (IB) exams. Let us help make your move easy and seamless.
Additional PennWest California Resources
• 70% of transfer students are commuters, so you’ll feel at home on campus with dedicated spaces and can take advantage of great University amenities.
• The Center for Undergraduate Research promotes inquiry in all fields of study. Dig into a topic that fascinates you, then show off your discoveries at the Center’s annual conference.
• The Office of Academic Success is a one-stop center that helps students thrive, and we also offer the Four-Year Grad Plan to help students graduate on time. Get help with scheduling, connect with a Peer Mentor, and build academic skills at the STEM Lab, Reading Clinic, or Writing Center.
• The Career and Professional Development Center helps you choose a major and gain experience through job shadowing, paid co-ops, and internships. Learn how to create a winning résumé, build a personal brand, connect with employers, and launch your career.
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Named one of the "Best Colleges in the Northeast" (for 17 consecutive years) | The Princeton Review, 2022 |
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Named a College of Distinction, including distinctions in Business, Education, Engineering, Equity and Inclusion, Career Development, Public Colleges, and for the state of Pennsylvania |
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Ranked among the "Best Online Bachelor's Programs" | U.S. News & World Report, 2022 |
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Designated a Military Friendly® School by MilitaryFriendlySchools.com |
Location: California, Pennsylvania—about 35 miles from Pittsburgh
Campus Size: 294 total acres between the main campus, Roadman Park complex, and SAI Farm
Enrollment: 4,785 undergraduates and 2,100 graduate students; most recent class: 56% female and 44% male; 19.6% of students representing minority populations
Faculty: 17:1 student-faculty ratio
Academics: 100+ undergraduate and 90+ graduate programs; 75+ online programs
Program Format: On-campus classes or Global Online
University Housing: Six main campus residence halls and Vulcan Village apartments
Athletics: 18 NCAA Division II athletic teams; eight for men, 10 for women
Clubs and Organizations: 100+ groups devoted to academic interests, the arts, campus communities, communications, student leadership, faith and religion, politics, volunteering, sports and recreation, and more
