Clarion University of Pennsylvania, USA: Rankings, Courses, Admissions, Tuition Fee, Cost of Attendance & Scholarships

Clarion University of Pennsylvania, USA: Rankings, Courses, Admissions, Tuition Fee, Cost of Attendance & Scholarships

Clarion, PennsylvaniaLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1867established year
5225enrollment
MSCHE
Public
Study Abroad Team's profile photo

Study Abroad Team

Updated on - Aug 20, 2026

Clarion University of Pennsylvania is a public state university in Clarion, Pennsylvania, and since July 2022 one of three integrated campuses of Pennsylvania Western University. The institution ranks #136 in the Regional Universities North list per US News Best Colleges 2026, a category covering master’s-focused institutions across the north-eastern United States.

Clarion University of Pennsylvania runs 175 English-medium degree and certificate programmes across three colleges and two schools, delivered through the residential Clarion campus and an extensive online catalogue. Indian applicants pursue postgraduate routes in MBA, MS Applied Data Analytics, MS Accounting and MS Nursing, alongside undergraduate transfer pathways. Applicants often benchmark it against other MS universities in USA on cost and rank.

  • US News Regional Universities North: #136 (2026)
  • Acceptance Rate: 95% (estimated)
  • Intakes: Fall (1 June deadline), Spring (1 November deadline)
  • Undergraduate Tuition (out-of-state): $11,574 per year (₹11.08 lakh)
  • Graduate Online Tuition (out-of-state): $568 per credit (₹0.54 lakh)
  • Average Starting Salary Range: $40,000 to $50,000 per year (₹38.30 to 47.88 lakh, market median)

The Pennsylvania State System caps out-of-state undergraduate tuition at $11,574 per year, positioning PennWest Clarion among the lower-cost US public options for Indian applicants. PennWest offers a Non-Resident Housing Scholarship worth $3,000 per year (₹2.87 lakh) for international applicants in campus residences. F-1 graduates from STEM-designated majors qualify for 12 months of OPT plus a 24-month extension, matching pathways at other universities in USA.


Exchange rate used: 1 USD = ₹95.75 as of August 2026

Admission Status: Open (Spring 2027 intake). Clarion University of Pennsylvania accepts international applications for Spring 2027 through 1 November 2026 and for Fall 2027 through 1 June 2027 on a rolling basis. The Non-Resident University Housing Scholarship carries a 1 March 2027 priority deadline for Fall 2027 admits living in campus housing.

Popular Courses and Fees at Clarion University of Pennsylvania 2027

Clarion University of Pennsylvania fees follow the uniform Pennsylvania State System schedule, which sets out-of-state undergraduate tuition at $11,574 per year and online graduate tuition at $568 per credit for out-of-state applicants. Master’s programmes typically span 30 to 36 credits, so total tuition sits in a narrow $17,040 to $20,448 (₹16.32 to 19.58 lakh) band across most PennWest Clarion online master’s routes.

Top 10 Postgraduate Programmes at Clarion University of Pennsylvania

ProgrammeTotal Tuition (USD, out-of-state)Total Tuition (INR lakh)Entry Requirement
MBA (30 credits, online, ACBSP accredited)$17,04016.32 lakhBachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
MS Applied Data Analyticsfrom $17,040from 16.32 lakhBachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
MS Accountingfrom $17,040from 16.32 lakhBachelor’s in commerce with 55% (recommended)
MS Clinical Mental Health Counselingfrom $17,040from 16.32 lakhBachelor’s in psychology or allied field with 60% (recommended)
MSN (Master of Science in Nursing)from $17,040from 16.32 lakhBSN with active RN licence (recommended)
MS Speech-Language Pathologyfrom $17,040from 16.32 lakhBachelor’s in speech sciences or allied field (recommended)
MSLS Information and Library Sciencefrom $17,040from 16.32 lakhBachelor’s with 55% (recommended)
MEd Special Educationfrom $17,040from 16.32 lakhBachelor’s in education or teaching background (recommended)
MS Mass Media Arts and Journalismfrom $17,040from 16.32 lakhBachelor’s with 55% and writing portfolio (recommended)
MBA plus MSN (dual degree)from $20,448from 19.58 lakhBSN with active RN licence (recommended)

[Source: PennWest Global Online Tuition Schedule 2026-2027]

Top 5 Undergraduate Programmes at Clarion University of Pennsylvania

Undergraduate programmes at PennWest Clarion run four years at $11,574 in annual out-of-state tuition, giving a total tuition cost of $46,296 (₹44.33 lakh) before room, board and fees.

ProgrammeTotal Tuition (USD, 4 years, out-of-state)Total Tuition (INR lakh)Entry Requirement
BS Nursing (BSN)$46,29644.33 lakhClass 12 with 70% to 85% including biology and chemistry (recommended)
BS Business Administration$46,29644.33 lakhClass 12 with 60% to 75% (recommended)
BS Computer Information Systems$46,29644.33 lakhClass 12 with 60% to 75% including maths (recommended)
BS Communication$46,29644.33 lakhClass 12 with 60% to 75% (recommended)
BS Psychology$46,29644.33 lakhClass 12 with 60% to 75% (recommended)

Insider note: Indian applicants at Clarion University of Pennsylvania overwhelmingly choose the online MBA and MSN routes because the flat $568 per credit rate keeps total tuition under ₹17 lakh, well below on-campus US graduate school budgets.

Read More: Clarion University of Pennsylvania Fees and Cost of Living Guide


Clarion University of Pennsylvania Admission 2027

Clarion University of Pennsylvania admission follows a rolling review with Fall and Spring intakes as the two entry points open to Indian applicants, and Fall as the primary intake for undergraduate and most graduate cohorts.

MilestoneDateNotes for Indian Applicants
Spring 2027 application deadline1 November 2026Rolling review; apply at least 3 months earlier for I-20 issuance and F-1 visa slotting
Fall 2027 application deadline1 June 2027Standard cutoff; earlier submission aids scholarship consideration
Non-Resident Housing Scholarship priority1 March 2027For Fall 2027 admits residing in university housing
WES credential evaluationStart 6 to 8 weeks before application deadlineWES preferred by PennWest graduate schools for Indian bachelor’s transcripts

[Source: PennWest International Admissions, 2026-2027]. Applicants comparing similar cohorts often look at MBA universities in USA alongside PennWest Clarion for a broader shortlist.

Planning note: The Spring intake receives fewer applicants than Fall, so an Indian applicant with a solid academic file and English scores at test minimums has a strong chance of quick offer turnaround before the 1 November 2026 cutoff.

Read More: Clarion University of Pennsylvania Admissions Guide for Indian Students


Clarion University of Pennsylvania Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027

Clarion University of Pennsylvania admission requirements are set by PennWest at a low-selectivity threshold, so Indian applicants clear entry with modest academic and English scores plus standard credential documents.

Postgraduate Requirements for Indian Applicants

  • Bachelor’s Degree: Three or four year Indian bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
  • English Proficiency: TOEFL iBT 76 (0-120 legacy scale), IELTS 6.0 or Duolingo 95
  • Credential Evaluation: WES course-by-course evaluation with GPA (preferred) or any NACES member
  • Programme-Specific: MSN routes need an active RN licence; counselling routes ask for two references

Undergraduate Requirements for Indian Applicants

  • Class 12 Academic: Passed with 60% to 75% (recommended); no fixed cutoff beyond graduation
  • English Proficiency: TOEFL iBT 61 (0-120 legacy scale), IELTS 5.5 or Duolingo 90
  • Documents: Passport copy, financial affidavit and transcript for I-20 issuance; $35 application fee

Key insight: Clarion University of Pennsylvania marks TOEFL as optional for select undergraduate profiles, so an Indian applicant with English medium of instruction certificates from Class 12 may qualify for a test waiver on written request.


Clarion University of Pennsylvania Acceptance Rate 2027

Clarion University of Pennsylvania acceptance rate sits at 95% (estimated), placing it in the least selective tier of US public universities and giving Indian applicants a strong probability of an offer once minimum entry conditions are met. No cycle-specific official figure has been published since the PennWest integration in 2022, so the estimate draws on prior enrolment ratios.

The high acceptance rate reflects Clarion University of Pennsylvania’s mission as a regional public university serving Pennsylvania and nearby states, not a lack of quality. Programme-level admits into nursing, speech-language pathology and clinical counselling remain more competitive than the university headline rate.

Reality check: A 95% acceptance rate does not mean automatic admission for Indian applicants: incomplete WES evaluations, missing English scores and thin financial affidavits are the most common causes of delayed or denied I-20 issuance.

Read More: Clarion University of Pennsylvania Acceptance Rate


Clarion University of Pennsylvania Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027

Clarion University of Pennsylvania fees combined with cost of living come to $32,651 per year (₹31.26 lakh) for out-of-state undergraduate residents on the Clarion campus, and roughly $17,040 to $20,448 (₹16.32 to 19.58 lakh) in total tuition for online graduate programmes.

Clarion University of Pennsylvania Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027

Tuition rates below reflect the 2026-2027 PennWest schedule that applies to Spring 2027 admits, with 2027-2028 rates for Fall 2027 admits typically published in mid-2027.

Programme LevelTuition (USD, out-of-state)Tuition (INR lakh)
Undergraduate (annual, on-campus)$11,574 per year11.08 lakh
Undergraduate (total 4 years)$46,29644.33 lakh
Graduate Online (per credit)$568 per credit0.54 lakh
Graduate Online (30-credit master’s total)$17,04016.32 lakh
Doctoral Online (per credit)$920 per credit0.88 lakh

[Source: PennWest Tuition and Fees Schedule 2026-2027]. Applicants weighing tech routes may also review MS Computer Science universities in USA at a similar cost band.

Monthly Cost of Living in Clarion for Indian Students

Clarion sits in a low-cost rural Pennsylvania county, so published cost of attendance runs well below urban US averages like Boston or New York.

Expense CategoryMonthly (USD)Monthly (INR lakh)Annual (USD)Annual (INR lakh)
Room and Board (residence hall plus meal plan)$1,0781.03 lakh$12,93012.38 lakh
Books and Course Materials$1030.10 lakh$1,2401.19 lakh
Personal and Miscellaneous$2830.27 lakh$3,4003.26 lakh
Total$1,4641.40 lakh$17,57016.82 lakh

[Source: PennWest Clarion official cost estimate 2026-2027]

Insider note: Off-campus rentals in the Clarion borough often run $500 to $700 (₹0.48 to 0.67 lakh) per month for shared housing, which cuts the total annual budget below $15,000 (₹14.36 lakh) once meal plans are replaced by cooking at home.

Read More: Study in USA Cost of Living Guide


Clarion University of Pennsylvania Campus, Facilities and Student Life

Clarion University of Pennsylvania sits on a 201-acre rural campus in Clarion borough, western Pennsylvania, close to the Clarion River and Cook Forest State Park, with additional sites in Oil City and Pittsburgh.

  • Location and Transport: 130 km north of Pittsburgh; airport shuttles run to Pittsburgh International for international arrivals
  • Housing: On-campus residence halls priced $5,100 per semester per single room; guaranteed for first-year international students
  • Notable Facilities: Gemmell Student Center, Eagle Commons dining, fitness centre with rock wall, and Suhr Library
  • Student Community: 140 plus student clubs including an active Indian Students Association during peak enrolment cycles
  • Athletics: NCAA Division II Golden Eagles across 13 sports, with a Division I wrestling programme

What Indian students say: The small-town setting is a strong fit for focused study but weak on off-campus social scene; most Indian students note the low rent and easy faculty access, and travel to Pittsburgh on weekends for restaurants and the Indian consular network.


Clarion University of Pennsylvania Scholarships 2027

Clarion University of Pennsylvania scholarships flow through the PennWest system, which distributes $19 million each year in institutional aid, and three of those awards are open to Indian and other international applicants without a residency restriction.

ScholarshipTypeAward ValueEligibilityDeadline
PennWest Premier ScholarshipMerit$1,000 to $4,000 per year (₹0.96 to 3.83 lakh)Automatic for admitted first-year undergraduates; up to 8 semesters if full-time and in good standingRolling with admission decision
Non-Resident University Housing ScholarshipMerit plus need$3,000 per year (₹2.87 lakh)Non-Pennsylvania residents including international, minimum 3.00 GPA, must live in university housing1 March 2027 priority
Endowed Scholarships (General Application)Merit or discipline-specificVaries by fund (from $500 to $5,000)New admitted students; discipline and criteria set per fund25 November for new students

[Source: PennWest Scholarships and Grants Office]

Planning note: Indian applicants targeting the Non-Resident Housing Scholarship should confirm a residence hall booking before 1 March 2027, because the award is forfeited if the student later moves off campus.

Read More: Clarion University of Pennsylvania Scholarships Guide


Clarion University of Pennsylvania Rankings 2027

Clarion University of Pennsylvania rankings are led by its US News Best Colleges 2026 position of #136 in Regional Universities North and #50 in Top Public Schools, both attributed to Pennsylvania Western University as a single entity after the 2022 integration.

Ranking BodyLatest EditionPrevious EditionTwo Editions Back
US News Best Colleges (Regional Universities North)2026: #1362025: NANA
US News Best Colleges (Top Public Schools)2026: #502025: NANA
QS World University Rankings2027: Not ranked2026: Not ranked2025: Not ranked
THE World University Rankings2026: Not ranked2025: Not ranked2024: Not ranked

[Source: US News, QS, THE]

Key insight: The US News rank of #136 in Regional Universities North supports F-1 visa eligibility and employer recognition across Pennsylvania and neighbouring states; the absence from QS and THE World lists reflects PennWest Clarion’s regional teaching focus rather than quality concerns.

Read More: Clarion University of Pennsylvania Rankings Analysis


Clarion University of Pennsylvania Placements and Career Outcomes 2027

Clarion University of Pennsylvania placements are supported by PennWest’s Center for Career Development, which runs employer visits, resume review and internship matching for undergraduate and graduate students.

  • Placement Rate: Not disclosed for the post-merger PennWest cohort; earlier Clarion figures showed 80% employment within six months of graduation
  • Average Starting Salary: $40,000 to $50,000 per year (₹38.30 to 47.88 lakh, market median for regional US public graduates)
  • MBA Salary Uplift: As per National Association of Colleges and Employers data cited by PennWest, MBA graduates earn approximately $20,000 more annually than undergraduate business degree holders
  • Recruitment Sectors: Regional healthcare systems, PA state government, accounting firms, technology employers across the Pittsburgh corridor
  • Post-Study Work: F-1 STEM major graduates access 12 months of OPT plus 24 months of STEM OPT, totalling 36 months of US work authorisation

Insider note: Indian MSN and MBA online graduates cannot use OPT because online-only enrolment is ineligible for F-1 status; that pathway suits Indian nurses aiming to work in India or a third market rather than transition to a US job.

Clarion University of Pennsylvania vs Peer Universities

Clarion University of Pennsylvania competes with other PASSHE state universities and its sister PennWest campuses like California University of Pennsylvania and Indiana University of Pennsylvania for Indian applicants seeking low-cost US public degrees. All PASSHE schools share the $11,574 out-of-state tuition rate, so differentiators lie in campus size, programme mix and location.

UniversityUG EnrolmentAcceptance RateDifferentiator
Clarion University of Pennsylvania (PennWest)1,54795% (estimated)Compact rural campus; strong online MSN and MBA
Indiana University of Pennsylvania8,000 plus92% (estimated)PASSHE flagship with doctoral research strengths
Slippery Rock UniversityNA82% (estimated)660-acre campus near Pittsburgh; 150 plus undergraduate majors
California University of Pennsylvania (PennWest)5,55797% (estimated)Sister PennWest campus with 220 plus UG and graduate programmes
Edinboro University (PennWest)NA83% (estimated)Sister PennWest campus with strong visual arts programmes

Clarion University of Pennsylvania stands out for the smallest applicant-to-programme ratio among PASSHE public options and consistently ranks alongside sister PennWest campuses on US News regional lists. Indian applicants targeting online MSN or MBA routes benefit from the same $568 per credit out-of-state rate offered at California and Edinboro campuses.

Clarion University of Pennsylvania fits Indian applicants who want an accredited US public degree at a total investment of $17,040 for a 30-credit online master’s or $128,000 across four years of on-campus undergraduate study, weighed against $40,000 to $50,000 market-median starting salaries in the north-eastern US. The strongest Indian-specific advantage is the F-1 STEM OPT eligibility for on-campus STEM majors, giving 36 months of US work authorisation.

PennWest Clarion is not for Indian applicants chasing global brand names or QS Top 500 signalling for a corporate India return, or for anyone whose career target requires an R1 research setting; Indiana University of Pennsylvania offers a doctoral research environment and larger cohort within the same PASSHE cost band.


Clarion University of Pennsylvania FAQs

Ques. What English test scores does Clarion University of Pennsylvania accept from Indian applicants?

Ans. Clarion University of Pennsylvania accepts TOEFL iBT 61, IELTS 5.5 or Duolingo 90 for undergraduate admission and TOEFL iBT 76, IELTS 6.0 or Duolingo 95 for graduate admission on the 0-120 legacy TOEFL scale. PennWest also considers PTE, GTEC CBT and STEP-EIKEN, though minimum scores for these are set at programme level and require direct confirmation with the admissions office.

Ques. How does the WES credential evaluation process work for Indian transcripts at PennWest Clarion?

Ans. PennWest Clarion requires a course-by-course evaluation with GPA from WES, which converts Indian bachelor’s transcripts into a US 4.0 GPA scale. Applicants order the report from wes.org, pay roughly $215 (₹0.21 lakh) plus mailing, and forward the sealed evaluation directly to PennWest. The full round trip takes six to eight weeks, so start it before the application deadline.

Ques. Can Indian applicants get an application fee waiver at PennWest Clarion?

Ans. PennWest charges a flat $35 application fee, and formal waivers are limited to counsellor-nominated candidates through select US-based recruitment events. Indian applicants do not qualify for the standard College Board waiver, but PennWest recruitment counsellors occasionally offer promotional codes at India-based EducationUSA fairs and IDP events. Contact admissions@pennwest.edu with your intake and programme before applying.

Ques. Which Indian education loan lenders recognise Clarion University of Pennsylvania?

Ans. Major Indian lenders including HDFC Credila, Avanse, Auxilo, ICICI Bank, SBI and Axis Bank fund students at Clarion University of Pennsylvania because it is a US Department of Education Title IV eligible public institution. Loan sizes typically run up to ₹40 lakh for on-campus undergraduate degrees and ₹20 lakh for online master’s routes, with F-1 visa proof and I-20 needed at disbursement.

Ques. How long does the F-1 visa process take for Clarion admits from India?

Ans. The full F-1 process for Clarion admits typically takes six to ten weeks from I-20 issuance to visa stamping, depending on Mumbai, Chennai or New Delhi consulate wait times. Applicants pay the SEVIS I-901 fee of $350 (₹0.34 lakh) before booking a visa slot, and PennWest recommends starting the process immediately after receiving the I-20 for smooth arrival before the intake start date.

Ques. Does Clarion University of Pennsylvania offer conditional admission for lower English scores?

Ans. Clarion University of Pennsylvania offers conditional admission through PennWest partner English language institutes for applicants scoring TOEFL iBT 45 to 60 or IELTS 5.0 undergraduate, subject to completing an intensive English programme before starting the degree. Confirmation letters from partner institutes must be attached to the application. Fully online graduate programmes do not offer this pathway.

Ques. Can Indian nursing graduates practise in the US after completing an MSN at PennWest Clarion?

Ans. Indian nursing graduates completing the online MSN at PennWest Clarion still need to pass the NCLEX-RN examination and secure state licensure in the state of intended practice, because a US master’s does not by itself confer US licensure. MSN admits also need an active US RN licence at entry, so most Indian applicants pursue on-campus BSN and NCLEX first before graduate study.

Ques. What financial documents does Clarion University of Pennsylvania need for the I-20?

Ans. Clarion University of Pennsylvania requires a financial affidavit signed by the sponsor, bank statements no older than six months showing funds covering the first year’s total cost of $32,651 (₹31.26 lakh), and a passport copy of both applicant and sponsor. Loan sanction letters from Indian lenders are accepted in place of bank balance if issued on lender letterhead with disbursement schedule.

Top Recommended Courses


1 year
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: Duolingo95|TOEFL80|IELTS7
Entry Requirement: Duolingo-95
USD 23,220 /Yr

1 year
Online
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: Duolingo95|TOEFL80|IELTS7
Entry Requirement: Duolingo-95
USD 23,220 /Yr

Do you think the fees are wrong ?  Report Here

1 year
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: Duolingo95|TOEFL80|IELTS7
Entry Requirement: Duolingo-95
USD 23,220 /Yr
1 year
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: Duolingo95|TOEFL80|IELTS7
Entry Requirement: Duolingo-95
USD 23,220 /Yr
1 year
Online
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: Duolingo95|TOEFL80|IELTS7
Entry Requirement: Duolingo-95
USD 23,220 /Yr

Do you think the fees are wrong ?  Report Here

Clarion University of Pennsylvania Ranking

2024

US News logo
Nursing 167 out of 184 in Global Ranking
( #57 out of 145 in USA 2024)

Do you think the Rankings are wrong ?  Report Here

Clarion University of Pennsylvania Scholarships


NameScholarship Per StudentLevel of StudyType
Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial ScholarshipScholarship per student$1,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Jagdish Bhagwati FellowshipScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeCollege-Specific
Bharat Petroleum ScholarshipScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyMasterTypeMerit-Based
Comindware ScholarshipScholarship per student$4,000Level Of StudyApprenticeshipTypeMerit-Based
Forktip Women’s- Innovation ScholarshipScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeCollege-Specific
FINCAD Women in Finance ScholarshipScholarship per student$20,000Level Of StudyMasterTypeMerit-Based

Do you think the Scholarship is wrong ?  Report Here

Clarion University of Pennsylvania Admissions

  • Early Action Deadlines

    Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)
    Important Date: April1 (Application results)
  • Regular Decision Deadlines

    Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)
    Important Date: April1 (Application results)

Clarion University of Pennsylvania Exam Scores

ExamsAvg. ScoreMin ScoreMax. Score%Submitted'
Undergraduate
SAT1020920112088
Check Detailed Score
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing515460570-
Mathematics505460550-
ACT21182317
Check Detailed Score
English201623-
Mathematics201723-

Attendance Cost

$32,106

attendance cost

The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees

Tuition fees
Undergraduate Programs
$32,106 / Year
Post Graduate Program
$23,220 / Year
On Campus
Books & Supplies
$1,260 / Year
On campus, Room & Board
$11,520 / Year
On Campus, Other Expenses
$3,690 / Year
Off Campus
Off campus (not with family), Room & Board
$11,520 / Year
Off campus (not with family), Other Expenses
$4,350 / Year
Off campus (with family), Room & Board
$3,596 / Year
Off campus (with family), Other Expenses
$4,350 / Year

Clarion University of Pennsylvania Accreditations

Institutional accreditations
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Program wise accreditation
Arts Programs
National Association of Schools of Art and Design
Clinical Science Programs
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Music Programs
National Association of Schools of Music
Nursing Programs
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

Faculty

Total FacultyFull TimePart TimeGraduate Assistants
41332680145316

Comments


No Comments To Show

interested in this College ?

Get free counselling