The University

Guided by its special mission in science and technology, California University of Pennsylvania offers professional, career-focused programs in the arts and sciences, technologies and education that engage students in applied and active learning. At Cal U, highly trained faculty members, caring staff, and exceptional facilities combine to help every student prepare for a meaningful career. A proud member of Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education, Cal U serves more than 7,500 undergraduate and graduate students.

Location

The University is located on 294 acres in the borough of California, Pa., about 35 miles south of Pittsburgh on the banks of the Monongahela River.

Majors and Degrees

California University of Pennsylvania offers more than 100 undergraduate majors and concentrations, and 95 graduate and professional programs, on campus and 100% online. Academic programs are offered through Cal U's three Colleges and its School of Graduate Studies and Research.

Eberly College of Science and Technology

Cal U's Eberly College of Science and Technology offers scientific, technological, and career-oriented degree programs to prepare students for the complex and evolving demands of the industrial, business and healthcare fields, as well as for further study in graduate and professional schools.

To help students develop personally and professionally, Cal U has designed an enriching curriculum built around two education components. The general education component equips students with a well-rounded education to maximize their effectiveness in the workplace and as a socially responsible citizen. The professional component includes the critical technical, scientific, business and support courses that form the foundation for immediate employment or advanced study in their chosen field.

Laboratory and workshop experiences supplement a foundation in theory, and many of their programs provide active learning and internship opportunities that integrate real-world experience with classroom learning.

The Eberly College of Science and Technology includes these departments: Applied Engineering and Technology; Biological and Environmental Sciences; Business and Economics; Chemistry and Physics; Earth Science; Math, Computer Science and Information Systems; Nursing; and Professional Studies.

College of Education and Human Services

Cal U's College of Education and Human Services offers career-oriented degree programs to prepare students for the complex demands of the education and human services fields, or for advanced-level study.

Teacher education is the historical mission of California University of Pennsylvania, and the school offers professional certification and degree programs in a variety of fields, including early childhood/elementary, middle level and secondary education, special education, and technology education. 

In addition, the departments of TRIO and Academic Services, Communication Disorders, Counselor Education, Health Science, Exercise Science and Sport Studies, and Social Work provide professional degrees, certifications and certificate programs.

By combining classroom learning and field experiences, the College of Education and Human Services helps to create a dynamic community of learners and self-assured graduates who are ready to make an impact on their chosen professions. All programs leading to licensure are accredited by their appropriate national organizations.

College of Liberal Arts

Cal U's College of Liberal Arts furthers student intellectual development in the arts, humanities and social sciences through the departments of Art and Languages; Communications, Design and Culture; Criminal Justice; English; History, Politics and Society; Music and Theatre; and Psychology.

In addition, the College houses the University Honors Program and offers a degree program in liberal studies, an interdisciplinary minor in leadership studies, and a minor in women's studies.

Liberal arts programs at Cal U give students a solid academic foundation in their chosen discipline while fostering skills that employers find essential in any field -- critical and analytical thinking, problem solving, communication skills, teamwork, and individual initiative. These programs foster creativity and self-expression as they help students to see connections -- between the past and the present, the world we know and the ones we imagine, the local community and our global society.

School of Graduate Studies and Research

Cal U's School of Graduate Studies and Research offers professional doctorates, master's degrees, certifications and certificate programs. Both on-campus and online options are available to add to students’ knowledge, enhance their resumes, or advance their careers.

Evening classes, accelerated programs and Cal U Global Online, the University's 100% online learning community, make it easier for students to balance earning a degree or other credential with career and family demands. Dual degree and certificate programs, as well as professional doctorates, help students target advanced learning to meet their professional needs.

Highly qualified faculty in Cal U's School of Graduate Studies lead programs that combine rigorous coursework with practical, career-focused experience. Caring staff in the Graduate Admissions and Global Online offices work with students step by step to help them achieve their educational goals as quickly and affordably as possible.

Costs

In 2016-2017, undergraduate tuition at Cal U was $7,238 for Pennsylvania residents and $10,858 for out-of-state residents. The average cost of room and board for an incoming freshman was $10,086, and fees were $2,908. Books, travel expenses, and other supplies are additional.

Financial Aid

More than 90 percent of all students attending Cal U receive some type of financial aid. The federal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), along with the cost of education, determines whether a student is eligible for need-based assistance. A variety of merit-based scholarships also are available.

Faculty

Cal U is a student-centered University that is committed above all to academic excellence and intellectual rigor. Its stellar faculty is dedicated to helping students take important steps toward achieving their career goals. Among Cal U's professors are Fulbright Scholars and recipients of grants from prestigious organizations such as the National Science Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities. But at the end of the day, faculty members say that teaching, motivating, and inspiring students is what they do best.

Four-Year Graduation Plan

Cal U's Four-Year Graduation Plan helps students stay on track to complete a bachelor's degree in four years. First-year students agree to stick to one major, take a full course load, and maintain an acceptable grade-point average. In turn, the University provides advising and counseling services every semester, and the Academic Scheduling Center helps students develop an academic plan and keep track of their progress.

Career Services

Cal U's Career and Professional Development Center helps students prepare for the future. The Career Advantage program guides students as they make choices about academic majors, explore career options, gain experience, and transition into the workforce. The Career Center staff maintain connections with the region's employers, who regularly visit campus for networking events, job fairs, and career training programs.

Leadership Training

Cal U prepares students to take the lead, no matter what field of study they choose to pursue. Students can add a leadership minor that teaches them to think critically about global issues and learn to become leaders in education, business, science or the arts. And when students practice effective leadership in class, through community service, and as members of clubs and organizations, the results are documented on an official Activities Transcript.

Student Government

Cal U's Student Government is the official governing body for students. The forum establishes channels of communication between students and administrators/faculty, and it sponsors programs and activities to enrich campus life.

Student Government is part of the Student Association Inc. (SAI), the nonprofit corporation owned and operated by students of Cal U. Along with serving the student body, SAI and Student Government provide opportunities for students to develop leadership and community service skills.

Admissions Requirements

An incoming freshman who want to be considered for admission to Cal U as a degree-seeking student must submit an application for admission with a $25 application fee, official high school transcripts or GED credential, and official SAT or ACT scores. Applicants will be considered for admission to Cal U after careful review of high school record, class rank, academic coursework, and SAT/ACT scores. Attention is given to personal essay, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation, if submitted.

Graduate admission varies by program. Information is available at calu.edu.

Application and Information

Applicants may apply online at calu.edu or may contact the Office of Admissions.

California University of Pennsylvania

c/o Undergraduate Admissions - Box 94

250 University Ave.

California, PA 15419

Phone: 1-888-412-0479 (toll-free)

Email: admissions@calu.edu

Office hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday

• Biological/life sciences
• Biology/Biological Sciences
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Business/marketing
• Accounting
  Associate Degree offered for this major.
• Business Administration and Management
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Communication/Journalism
• Speech Communication and Rhetoric
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Computer and information sciences
• Computer and Information Sciences
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Education
• Early Childhood Education
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Elementary Education
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Middle School Education
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Special Education
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Engineering
• Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Engineering technologies
• Computer Engineering Technology
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Drafting and Design Technology
  Associate Degree offered for this major.
• Electrical, Electronic and Communications Engineering Technology
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Engineering Technology
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Industrial Production Technologies Related
  Associate Degree offered for this major.
• English
• English
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Foreign languages and literature
• Arabic
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Spanish
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Health professions and related sciences
• Athletic Training
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Communication Sciences and Disorders
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Occupational Therapist Assistant
  Associate Degree offered for this major.
• Physical Therapy Technology
  Associate Degree offered for this major.
• Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• History
• History
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Homeland security, law enforcement, firefighting, and protective services
• Corrections
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Criminal Justice/Safety
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Interdisciplinary studies
• Gerontology
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Law/legal studies
• Legal Professions and Studies Related
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Liberal arts/general studies
• Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Mathematics and statistics
• Mathematics
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Natural resources/environmental science
• Environmental Science
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Parks and recreation
• Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Sport And Fitness Administration/Management
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Philosophy and religious studies
• Philosophy
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Physical sciences
• Chemistry
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Geology/Earth Science
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Physical Sciences
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Physics
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Psychology
• Psychology
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Public administration and social services
• Social Work
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Social sciences
• Anthropology
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Geography
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Political Science and Government
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Social Sciences
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Social Sciences Related
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Visual and performing arts
• Art
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Commercial and Advertising Art
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Dramatic/Theater Arts
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Graphic Design
  Associate Degree offered for this major. Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.
• Music Technology
  Bachelor's Degree offered for this major.

• Acceptance Rate
• Applied3,324
• Accepted3,133
• Acceptance Rate94%
• Enrolled5,557
• Female Applicants1,889
• Females Accepted1,796
• Female Acceptance Rate95%
• Male Applicants1,435
• Males Accepted1,337
• Male Acceptance Rate93%
• Applying
• Application Fee $25
• Required for All Transcript of high school record
  
• Required for Some
• Average high school GPA for first-year freshman3.12
• Application Deadlines
• Type Application Closing Notification Date Rolling Admissions
• Fall freshmen Yes
• Out-of-state Fall freshmen Not Reported
• Early decision plan Not Reported
• Other early decision plan Not Reported
• Transfer Yes
• Test Scores Accepted
• Test Average School Accepted 25th Percentile* 75th Percentile*
• SAT Critical Reading 524 470 580
• SAT Math 452 460 560
• SAT Writing
• ACT Composite 19 16 23
• * 25th and 75th percentile is the score that 25/75 percent of students score at or below.

• Tuition
• In-state tuition *Not Reported
• Out-of-state tuition *Not Reported
• In-district tuitionNot Reported
• * Tuition costs are based on a full academic year typically extending from September to June.
• Fees
• Full-time student feesNot Reported
• Room and board *$10,344
• Room only *$6,592
• * Room and board charges vary according to board plan selected (i.e., 12-meal plan, 19-meal plan, etc.) and student level (freshman, sophomore, etc.)
• Other Payment Considerations
• Guaranteed tuition plan offeredNo
• Tuition pre-payment planNo
• Tuition payment plans offeredInstallments
• Student groups that qualify for full or partial waiver of tuitionEmployees or children of employees

• Average Financial Aid Package:$9,213
• Average Freshman Financial Aid Package:$10,026
• Average International Student Financial Aid Package:$10,259
• Average Loan Aid:$4,142
• Average Grant Aid:$4,361
• Average Scholarship and/or Grant Aid Awarded:$5,997
• Percentage of Students with Need who Receive Financial Aid:100%
• Average Percentage of Financial Need Met: 51%
• Percentage of Students Who Had Their Need Fully Met: 7%

• Gender
• Total Undergraduate Students5,557
• Male Student Percentage47%
• Female Student Percentage53%
• Race/Ethnicity
• Hispanic/Latino3.1%
• Black or African American12.83%
• White or Caucasian76.16%
• American Indian or Alaska Native.27%
• Asian.95%
• Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander.13%
• Two or more races3.83%
• Unknown or International Student1.98%
• Other Student Statistics
• International Breakout.76% representing 23 other countries
• Out-of-state Students11% out-of-state student

• Housing
• College-owned housing available Yes
• Housing Requirements None
• Housing options Coed housing , Special housing for disabled
• Percentage of undergraduate students who live in college-owned housing 33%
• Student Activities
• Student-run campus newspaper Yes
• Drama / theater group Yes
• Student-run radio station Yes
• Student-run television station Yes
• Marching band Yes
• Choral groups Yes
• Student Services
• Legal services Yes
• Health clinic Yes
• Personal / psychological counseling Yes
• Women's center Yes
• Student Organizations
• Greek fraternities Yes
• Greek sororities Yes
• Local fraternities No
• Local sororities No
• Other organizations Not Reported
• Most popular organizations Not Reported
• Campus Security and Safety
• 24-hour emergency telephone / alarm services Yes
• 24-hour patrols by trained officers Yes
• Students patrols Yes
• Late-night transport / escort services Yes
• Electronically-operated dormitory entrances Yes
• Other residence hall entrances staffed 24/7, fire suppression and smoke detection systems, security staff are trained police officers

• Men's Sports
• Sport Intramural Intercollegiate Scholarship
• Baseball No Yes No
• Basketball No Division 2 No
• Cross-country running No Division 2 No
• Football No Division 2 No
• Golf No Division 2 No
• Soccer No Division 2 No
• Softball No No No
• Swimming No No No
• Tennis No No No
• Track No Division 2 No
• Volleyball No No No
• Women's Sports
• Sport Intramural Intercollegiate Scholarship
• Baseball No No No
• Basketball No Division 2 No
• Cross-country running No Division 2 No
• Football No No No
• Golf No Yes No
• Soccer No Division 2 No
• Softball No Yes No
• Swimming No Yes No
• Tennis No Division 2 No
• Track No Division 2 No
• Volleyball No Division 2 No

• Faculty Breakdown
• Total Faculty383
• Full-time Percentage66%
• Part-time Percentage34%
• Female Percentage47%
• Male Percentage53%
• Student:Faculty Ratio20:1 or 4,875 students to 246 faculty