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Our Impact

Positive Economic Impact

PennWest Clarion is the No. 1 employer in Clarion County and is an economic leader in the region, generating an annual economic impact of more than $310 million.  PennWest Clarion and its Venango Campus are strategically positioned to continue meeting the changing needs of the region.

PASSHE contributes $4.0 billion to Pennsylvania economy with more than 49,000 jobs across the commonwealth . PennWest University employs more than 1,600 individuals across all  campus locations.

Clarion also impacts the region through many other enriching ways including:

Affordable Education

PASSHE, of which Clarion is a part, is the most affordable higher education option in the Mid-Atlantic Region.  In-state tuition for an academic year at PennWest Clarion is $11,174 (with fees) which is much less than the tuition at private universities in western Pennsylvania, including:

  • Allegheny College ($51,910* plus fees)
  • Westminster College ($36,630* plus fees)
  • Gannon University ($33,560-35,590 depending on your major* plus fees)
  • Thiel College ($32,640* plus fees)
  • Grove City College ($19,310* plus fees)

Broad Range of Academic Opportunities

PennWest Clarion offers more than 175 academic programs, including certificate, associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs. To have such a broad range of programs in a rural setting is unique. PennWest Clarion has 32 nationally accredited programs in which students can fully develop their unique talents.

Diverse Student Population

Clarion offers a world-class, academically challenging environment and a low student-to-faculty ratio. While the majority of our students come from Pennsylvania, the population includes additional students from 36 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and numerous other countries, creating a diverse student population. 

Leadership and Involvement Opportunities

PennWest Clarion offers more than 140 student organizations, which offer real-world experience working with academic units and leadership opportunities. Involvement in student organizations has also been proven to support the acclimation process and retention efforts. 

Financial Aid

More than 80 percent of all undergraduate students enrolled in the Fall 2021 - Spring 2022 terms received some form of financial aid.  Clarion's affordability, combined with financial aid opportunities, make higher education attainable for students in the regions Clarion serves.

Alumni Stay in Pennsylvania

PennWest Clarion has more than 65,760 alumni all around the world. Among PASSHE graduates, 80 percent choose to live and work in Pennsylvania. 

Last Updated 4/14/23