PennWest California

California, PA

PennWest California

California, PA

Explore PennWest California's Featured Profiles:

Undergrad Transfer

Unlock your story

You’re ready to explore, to question, to discover your path to a successful future—your journey starts at PennWest California.

At PennWest California, we know what you’re looking for:
• The ability to connect learning to the world outside the classroom
• A chance to meet new people, consider new ideas, and gain a global perspective
• An experience focused on you, your dreams, and your future 

On our riverside campus, you’ll find the freedom to chart your own path. You’ll face challenges. You’ll gain confidence. And you’ll meet mentors who are invested in your success. 

Committed to your success
Your PennWest California education begins in the classroom, but it doesn’t end there. Fieldwork, clinical practice, and hands-on activities connect classroom learning to the wider world. All our classes are taught by faculty members, not teaching assistants or graduate students. Our professors are experts in their fields—teaching, motivating, and inspiring students is what they do best. Throughout your journey, you’ll find that our classrooms, studios, and labs are equipped for learning today so you’re ready for the workplace tomorrow. 

Skills that help you achieve your dreams
Employers want job candidates who can hit the ground running and adapt to whatever the future brings. That’s why PennWest California focuses on a practical, skills-based education to equip you for a high-impact career. Our corporate and industry partners keep the University in tune with the marketplace. With more than 100 undergraduate majors and concentrations, there’s a program that’s perfect for you. With help from our Career and Professional Development Center, you’ll uncover your interests and pinpoint your talents. Then you can start building career skills while you earn your degree. You’ll graduate job ready—and ready to take on the world.

Your path to graduation
We recommend PennWest California’s Four-Year Graduation Plan. It’s a combination of advising, course scheduling, and individualized attention that guides incoming students to finish your studies in just four years. It’s a fact that college costs multiply exponentially when you take five or six years to earn your diploma. The Four-Year Graduation Plan creates your personalized road map to timely success.

See for yourself
What do you want from your university? Exceptional professors? Career-focused programs? World-class facilities? Memories that last a lifetime? It’s all here at PennWest California. Explore online at calu.edu, or see what the university has to offer for yourself. To schedule a campus tour, call 724-938-4404 or register at calu.edu/visit

PennWest California: Beyond the basics
The University Honors Program encourages talented students to tackle challenging courses taught by distinguished professors. Qualifying students may choose to live in the Smith Honors Residence Hall. 
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 Center for Volunteer Programs and Service Learning identifies inspiring and impactful projects that make the world a better place. Record your leadership and community service experiences on your official Activities Transcript.
The Office of Academic Success is a one-stop center that helps students succeed and graduate on time. Get help with scheduling, connect with a Peer Mentor, or 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. 

ACCOLADES

 

Named one of the "Best Colleges in the Northeast" (for 17 consecutive years) | The Princeton Review, 2022

 

Named a College of Distinction, including distinctions in Business, Education, Engineering, Equity and Inclusion, Career Development, Public Colleges, and for the state of Pennsylvania

 

Ranked among the "Best Online Bachelor's Programs" | U.S. News & World Report, 2022

 

Designated a Military Friendly® School by MilitaryFriendlySchools.com

PennWest California At A Glance

LOCATION: California, Pennsylvania, about 35 miles from Pittsburgh

CAMPUS SIZE: 294 acres between the main campus, Roadman Park complex, and SAI Farm

ENROLLMENT:
• 4,785 undergraduate and 2,100 graduate students
• Most recent class: 56% female and 44% male
• 19.6% of students representing minority populations

STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO: 17:1

ACADEMICS: 100+ undergraduate and 90+ graduate programs (75+ online programs)

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 & ORGANIZATIONS: More than 100 clubs devoted to academic interests, arts, communities, communications, student leadership, faith and religion, politics, volunteering, sports and recreation, and more

An Inside Look