Pennsylvania Western University
Pennsylvania Western University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Pennsylvania Western University at a Glance
Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) is a public university in Pennsylvania, United States. It has three campuses in the Pennsylvania boroughs of California, Clarion, and Edinboro.
2022
4 years old
12,778
10,561 undergrad · 3,916 grad
Identity
Is Pennsylvania Western University Worth It?
At a value score of 33/100, Pennsylvania Western University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $47,295 — 12% below average — while paying $18,256/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 51% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 94% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
With median debt of $23,725 representing 50% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Pennsylvania Western University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Pennsylvania Western University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in PA
Ranked #132 of 181 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | California State University-Bakersfield | 100 | $5,652 | $59,009 |
| #2 | Foothill College | 100 | $7,653 | $57,072 |
| #3 | Skyline College | 100 | $1,738 | $55,702 |
| #4 | Indian River State College | 100 | $3,815 | $38,315 |
| #5 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #6 | Taft College | 96 | $2,823 | $38,861 |
| #132 | Pennsylvania Western University | 33 | $18,256 | $47,295 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Pennsylvania Western University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in PA.
Best Programs at Pennsylvania Western University
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Pennsylvania Western University. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $18,256/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Similar Colleges in PA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- California, PA
- Student Body
- 7,451 students
- Admission Rate
- 94%
- Graduation Rate
- 51%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $18,256
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $47,295
- Median Student Debt
- $23,725