West Chester University
West Chester University is a community of educators that develops graduates to succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.
Enrolling the largest first-year class in its history (3,006 first-year students in fall 2022 compared to 2,628 in fall 2021), West Chester University (WCU) remains the destination of choice for numerous students, as confirmed today by final census data. WCU’s overall enrollment continues to be robust and impressive as the country emerges from a pandemic that has prompted many universities and colleges throughout the nation to experience significant enrollment declines. Final census data for fall 2022 shows that West Chester University continues to exceed 17,000 students as overall enrollment stands strong at 17,275 students. West Chester University is thriving in the Commonwealth; total enrollment for Fiscal Year 2022 is less than 2% down in *headcount and less than .5% down in *Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) from 2021. West Chester University remains the largest university within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
*Headcount = An unduplicated headcount signifies that each student is counted one time under their primary major only.
*Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) = A calculation that is determined by adding the course credit hours and then dividing by the number of credits that represent full-time for each student population. Undergraduate FTEs are calculated using the total undergraduate course credit hours and dividing by 15. Graduate FTEs are calculated using the total graduate course credit hours and dividing by 12. Course credits and the FTEs generated are calculated at the course level regardless of the level of the student enrolled in the course. Using this formula, enrollment is measured, and the University’s budget is planned.
The fall 2022 semester also brings news that the University continues to hold an impressive graduation and retention rate. With its recent R2 designation by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, the University now shares the distinction with other universities in the country that have “high research activity” in academic settings where teaching is the priority. New data from U.S. News and World Report’s College Rankings show that of the 128 R2 schools in the nation, West Chester University ranks 26 on its overall graduation and retention rates; this puts the University in the top-quarter of all R2 schools.
The Chester County Chamber greatly appreciates West Chester University for their Chamber membership and involvement in our community.
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