PennWest California SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
With a 94% acceptance rate, PennWest California is likely within reach if your grades are near its 3.35 average. Since it is test-optional and no score-based merit thresholds are published, submit scores only if they are a clear strength, and make program fit and graduation outcomes part of your decision.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
PennWest California facts and stats
PennWest California enrolls 7,586 undergraduates in a suburban campus setting. PennWest California has a 72% freshman retention rate, slightly above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 52%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1.
California, PA
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Key PennWest California application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
—
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
May 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional PennWest California, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year and use the summer before senior year plus the fall for retakes and superscoring. Since PennWest California does not offer Early Decision or Early Action, your last fall retake should be the latest test date that reports scores before its Regular Decision deadline.
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What you'll actually pay
At PennWest California, in-state tuition is $7,716 and out-of-state tuition is $11,574. About 53% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $3,726. Submit the FAFSA by the May 1 priority deadline to be considered for financial aid.
For students paying out-of-state rates, PennWest California tuition is $11,574, while in-state tuition is $7,716, with room and board adding $11,790. About 53% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $12,353. The average merit award is $3,726. Students graduate with an average debt of $33,001.
Student life at PennWest California
39% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Priority
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.
Similar schools
Bryn Athyn College of the New Church
Bryn Athyn, PAAcceptance rate: 82.9%
Albright College
Reading, PAAcceptance rate: 76.3%
Allegheny College
Meadville, PAAcceptance rate: 54.5%
SAT: 1165–1355
ACT: 24–30
DeSales University
Center Valley, PAAcceptance rate: 77.1%
SAT: 1100–1240
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