California University of Pennsylvania

Statistics

Scholarships & Financial Aid

School Says - General Information
California University of Pennsylvania, a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a comprehensive regional institution of higher education with more than 150 years of educational excellence and intellectual rigor. To achieve its mission to build character and careers, the University focuses on student achievement and success, institutional excellence, and community service. The University boasts a distinguished faculty who challenge and mentor students to help them attain their full potential. An Honors Program, which includes an Honors residence hall, provides an opportunity for an enhanced educational experience for the most academically talented students. The University is a member of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education. It is fully accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Many programs are accredited by their specific agencies or affiliated organizations.

School Says - Student Body
A large array of active clubs and student organizations are offered through academic departments and the Student Association, Inc. These groups provide social, educational, community service and leadership opportunities for students. Their range is as varied as the interests of the students.

School Says - Academics
The College of Education and Human Services carries on the University's long traditional of excellence in teacher education and offers a variety of other programs as well. Students can also choose from other programs in the College including athletic training, gerontology, physical therapist assistant, sport management studies and professional golf management. Also available is a BS Ed in communication disorders, a pre-professional degree that prepares students for future graduate training before employment as a speech-language pathologist, and social work, which provides career opportunities in a variety of human service settings. Departments in the College of Liberal Arts offer a diverse array of major and minor programs of study. A broad general education course of study, based on the liberal arts, encourages students to explore a variety of course offerings and to become aware of the ways many different disciplines understand and view the world. The Liberal Arts are concerned with human values and social issues. They depend on the ability to think analytically, to understand other cultures and their history, as well as our own, and to appreciate artistic responses to our world. The Eberly College of Science and Technology offers associate and bachelor degree programs designed to prepare students to meet present and future requirements of specific professions and/or to undertake further study in graduate and professional schools. Each curriculum in the Eberly College includes both general and professional education components. General education component ensures students receive a well-rounded education, while the professional component includes the necessary technical, scientific business and/or support courses to provide the basis for advanced study in a professional area or employment in a chosen field.

School Says - Admissions
To be considered for admission as a degree-seeking student at California University applicants must submit the following: 1. Completed application form 2. Application fee 3. Official high school transcript that includes class rank if applicable (or GED certificate and scores) 4. Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT) scores (may be waived for applicants who have been out of high school for a least two years or who have an associate, R.N. or baccalaureate degree) 5. Transfer students must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Students can apply and pay their application fee online by visiting www.cup.edu. All applications are individually evaluated. As soon as applications are complete, decisions are reached and applicants notified. This process usually takes less than two weeks. Admission standards have been established by the university to select those students who will be most likely to succeed. 1. Academics. An applicant must be a graduate of an approved or accredited secondary school or have an equivalent preparation as determined by any state's Department of Education. 2. Assessment and Ability Standards. An ability to do work in higher education should be evident from an assessment examination such as the SAT. In certain circumstances, other kinds of evidence may be used to determine the ability to do such work. 3. Character and Personality. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they possess the personality traits, interests, attitudes and personal characteristics necessary for higher education. Recommendation letters are also welcome. 4. Admission to Special Curricula. A student seeking admission to a special curriculum may be required to complete additional requirements or have earned specific credentials. The Admissions Office considers as many variables as possible in making admission decisions: class rank, cumulative grade point average, type of curriculum completed in relation to proposed major, guidance counselor or other recommendations, on-campus interview, standardized test scores, activities, and maturity. Each of these variables contributes to the overall assessment of applicants.

School Says - Campus Life
California University of Pennsylvania is located in the Borough of California, a community of approximately 6,000 residents, less than an hour's drive south of Pittsburgh. The main campus consists of 34 buildings situated on 90 beautifully maintained acres. The 98-acre George H. Roadman University Park, located one mile from campus, includes a variety of sport and recreational opportunities.

School Says - Cost Aid
Tuition California University is a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, and the Board of Governors of the State System sets its tuition. Tuition is usually set in July for the academic year that begins in August. California University tuition, per semester for the 2006-07 academic year, is $2,519 for full-time undergraduate students who are Pennsylvania residents; non-Pennsylvania residents who are full-time undergraduate students pay $3,779. This cost is for students who are taking 12 to 18 credits, additional student credit hours are charged at $210 for in-state students and $315 for non-Pennsylvania residents. International full-time undergraduate students (12 to 18 credits) pay $6,299 per semester and $525 for each additional student credit hour. Fees Full time Pennsylvania resident students pay $62.50 technology fee; full-time non-residents pay $94. All full-time students pay per semester a University service fee of $85; Student Association fee of $210; Student Union Building fee of $81; Student Center Operations and Maintenance fee of $84; and Academic Support fee of $251.90. Room and Board Rooms in the new lower campus residence halls range from $2,494 to $3,638 per semester. Meal plans per semester range from $1,188 to $1,439 per semester for on campus residents. Off-campus students may purchase meal plans that range from $580 to $1,439.There are several types of financial available. Grants and scholarships are considered "gift aid" because they generally do not have to be repaid. Loans and employment are considered "self help aid" because loans have to be repaid and by working, students earn money for educational expenses. Loans are by far the largest source of financial aid for the majority of students and families. Most grants, some loans (Subsidized Stafford and the Perkins Loan), and Federal Work-Study are need-based financial aid programs. The Unsubsidized Stafford and the Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) are considered non-need-based. Scholarships can be based upon merit, financial need or both. Approximately 78 percent of all students attending California University receive some type of financial aid that helps students and families meet educational expenses that cannot be met through their own resources. The results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) along with the cost of education will determine whether a student has financial need. To receive financial aid, students must complete the FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA. FAFSA can be obtained from high school guidance counselors, public libraries, for the financial aid office of a college or university including the Financial Aid Office at California University.

Students Say - Academics
California University of Pennsylvania is an "affordable," medium-sized public school in the western part of the Keystone State that "gets students ready to have careers." Among the "variety of majors," students praise the art and nursing programs. The "top-notch" College of Education also has "an excellent reputation." Many classrooms are "state of the art." "Smaller" class sizes are "really good for interaction." "Questions don't go unanswered," "and the professors actually can remember your name." The mostly "dedicated and helpful" faculty here is generally popular as well. "Some are horrible," particularly in the general education courses. Overall, the professors "are pretty decent," though. "They really seem to care about your success," comments a physics major. The administration at Cal U is "very involved" and typically "reliable." "They seem to be doing an okay job," estimates an education major, "except for the parking situation." "Frustration during registration" can also be a problem.

Students Say - Campus Life
Everybody loves the swanky, "massive," and otherwise "awesome" "suite-style" residence halls at Cal U. The fact that each suite has its own bathroom is another "huge plus." "The dorm rooms are the best I've ever seen," gloats a junior. In addition to the sweet accommodations, students at Cal U enjoy a "very beautiful campus" "nestled near the Monongahela River." There are "many new buildings and facilities." The landscaping is "just phenomenal," and everything is "within walking distance." Students differ concerning the social atmosphere. The majority loves it, citing "tons and tons of clubs" and a reasonably noticeable Greek system. "A lot of people party and what not," they point out. "Intramurals are popular," and the intercollegiate teams (called the Vulcans, incidentally) tend to have "amazing success," "dominating in Division II sports." Other students contend that the campus has "no spirit," though, and they complain that "you have to make your own fun" at Cal. "There is not much to do on campus or off," one senior says. "Most people usually go home during the weekends." There is universal agreement that the "small town" surrounding campus is "very boring." "If you like a rural setting or a place where you can feel safe and not worry about loud noises, lots of people, and that sort of thing," advises a sophomore, "then you'd definitely enjoy yourself here." Students who long for a more urban milieu can always head to Pittsburgh, less than an hour away.

Students Say - Student Body
Virtually everyone at Cal U is from Pennsylvania. They tend to come from "middle- to low-income" families. Many are "paying for school themselves" and "holding down one or more jobs while attending." There is a large contingent of commuters and nontraditional students who "kind of just go to school and go home or to work." "Many older and middle-aged individuals come here to either start as undergrads or to further their educations." Cal students describe themselves as "responsible," "very friendly," and "pretty accepting." There are some "over-the-top achievers," but "students here typically have average to above-average intelligence." There is "a plethora of athletes." "Preppy" is probably the overwhelming stereotype, but you'll find "the occasional rebel" and a smattering of various styles. "Everyone fits in somewhere," promises a junior.

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