West Chester University: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

One of the 14 larger institutions in the state's higher education system is West Chester University of Pennsylvania. 25 miles west of the state's major city, Philadelphia, where it was established in 1871. After beginning as a teacher training college in 1839, it has been a higher education institution for 180 years, making it one of the oldest in the UK. A wide variety of more than 400 courses are available to students at all levels, delivered at specialized locations with cutting-edge infrastructure. So, from the moment they arrive in the UK, foreign students are encouraged to feel at home. To facilitate the transition to studying abroad, the International Centre's Arrivals Team provides an airport pickup service and welcome activities.

WCU ranks > 600th in US College Rankings 2022 and The US NEWS ranks them at #209 in National Universities in the US as well as #112 in Top Public schools in the US.

WCU was founded as a school for teacher preparation; from 1927 until 1960, it was known as West Chester State Teachers' College. In 1960, it changed its name to West Chester State College and began to offer the liberal arts education that is still a part of its curriculum today. WCU ranked 222 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (US NEWS 2024).