Fact Sheet 05: About WCU

Revised August 2005

About West Chester University

A comprehensive, multipurpose institution, West Chester University of Pennsylvania offers high-quality undergraduate and graduate degree programs in more than 100 subject areas, as well as certification programs. As the second largest member of the State System of Higher Education, West Chester offers a full and rewarding educational experience as well as reasonable tuition; the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provides more than $5,000 toward the cost of each Pennsylvania student who attends.

With a rich heritage dating back to the 19th century, West Chester University was founded in 1871 as West Chester Normal School for the purpose of training teachers for the Commonwealth's newly established public schools. In 1960, West Chester State Teachers College expanded its programs to include liberal arts and graduate degrees and, as a result, dropped "Teachers" from its name. In 1983, West Chester State College became one of the 14 institutions in the State System of Higher Education. Along with its university status, the school acquired a new system of governance and the opportunity to expand its degree programs.

Today, more than 12,800 graduate and undergraduate students, along with 1,500 faculty and staff, study and work on the 402-acre campus. Situated in the Borough of West Chester, the campus is a picturesque mix of Gothic, Victorian, and modern architecture with pleasant, tree-shaded walks.

Strategically located at the center of the mid-Atlantic corridor between New York City and Washington, D.C., West Chester is convenient to major cultural and commercial institutions and recreational activities. West Chester is located just 25 miles west of Philadelphia and 17 miles north of Wilmington. New York City and Washington, D.C. are accessible by car or train in less than three hours, and Philadelphia International Airport is less than an hour's drive from the campus.