Clarion University of Pennsylvania

Clarion University of Pennsylvania, now PennWest Clarion, is a public university located in Clarion, Pennsylvania. It offers a wide array of academic programs and is known for providing transformative learning opportunities in student-centered environments. The university aims to be a leader in high-impact educational practices that benefit students, employers, and community partners.

Academics

PennWest Clarion offers approximately 70 baccalaureate programs and 11 master's degree programs across its colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Education and Human Services, and Graduate Studies, as well as a School of Nursing. The university prepares students in business, education, health, science, and the arts, maintaining a small student-to-faculty ratio. Popular degrees among international students include Business Administration & Management, Accounting, and Marketing. The university has been continuously accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education since 1948.

International Students

PennWest Clarion welcomes international students, recognizing the global diversity they bring to campus. The Global Education Office is dedicated to supporting international students with recruitment, matriculation, retention, immigration matters, and academic and personal support. While international students make up a small percentage of the student body, the university reports having students from various countries, with Saudi Arabia, Canada, and Nigeria having the largest on-campus communities. English proficiency is typically required for non-native English speakers, with IELTS being a trusted measure of language skills.

Campus & Location

The main campus of PennWest Clarion is situated on 201 acres in Clarion, Pennsylvania, a charming small town nestled in the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania. The campus has been renovated and transformed into a modern university while preserving historical buildings. The surrounding area offers opportunities for outdoor recreation, including the Clarion River for canoeing and nearby extensive woods for hiking. Clarion is also known as the "autumn leaf capital of the world," offering beautiful scenery in the fall.

Career Outcomes

PennWest Clarion provides various resources to support students' career development, including placement services and career counseling. The university emphasizes preparing students for the job market and meeting the needs of businesses and organizations. While specific employment rates for international students were not readily available, the university offers internship and study abroad opportunities to broaden students' horizons and enhance their career prospects. Alumni have achieved national prominence in various fields, such as a Clarion graduate who became an editor at Harlequin Enterprises and fostered clients to Newbery Honor.