History
In 1859, some local citizens generated a proposal for the creation of a seminary in Clarion, the earliest recorded evidence of an institution of higher education for Clarion, according to Caldwell's Illustrated Historical Combination Atlas of Clarion County.
The institution began operation on September 10, 1867, as the Carrier Seminary of Western Pennsylvania.
Education
Located in the Allegheny Plateau region of Pennsylvania, PennWest Clarion’s small class sizes—plus supportive faculty and staff—create a personalized learning environment ideal for students who want an intimate setting along with PennWest’s extensive range of resources.
PennWest Clarion’s satellite campuses in Somerset, and Pittsburgh provide professional certificates, various nursing programs and associate and bachelor degrees to various communities outside of Clarion.
Career
Beyond your faculty advisors, the dedicated enrollment, success, and career coaches are here to guide you through every stage of your PennWest journey.
- As a future student, you can talk with a career coach and access tools that help you choose a major or a career path. Once you are a student, you will be supported as you explore, prepare, and apply for the next step in your career journey.
The career center also works with employers and alumni to build strong professional networks to connect qualified students and alumni with employers and opportunities and to continue supporting professional goals throughout their careers.
PennWest Clarion Key Statistics & Highlights
- 25 Masters
- 316 Scholarships
- 3,000 Students
PennWest Clarion Overview
PennWest Clarion Scholarships
PennWest Clarion Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to PennWest Clarion. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
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PennWest Clarion Student Reviews & Awards
This organisation is part of Pennsylvania Western University and doesn't have its own reviews.
View Pennsylvania Western University reviewsStudent services
The Student Success Center is here to support you at every stage of your academic journey. Whether you're a new student, a transfer, or navigating college life, our dedicated team is ready to help. With physical locations on each campus, our Student Success offices provide access to:
- First-Year & Transfer Student Scheduling
- Military & Veteran Support Services
- Starfish Software for Academic Support
- Tutoring & Supplemental Instruction
- Success Coaching & Peer Mentoring
- International Education & Study Abroad
Housing services
Living at Clarion is more than just a room and a meal plan. It's about being part of a Housing Student housing is vital to the academic journey as it provides a safe space for students to complete their work, socialize with friends, and relax, while fostering a sense of community. PennWest Clarion offers a variety of quality housing options designed for comfort and convenience, ensuring students have the ideal environment to thrive.
Whether you're grabbing a quick bite between classes or enjoying dinner with friends, the dining services offer fresh, delicious, and nutritious options to keep you energized and satisfied throughout the day. With so many options, you’ll always find something delicious to eat.
Library services
PennWest University is home to three distinct libraries, each offering unique resources and services to support the academic and research needs of students and faculty.
Clarion
- Houses a collection of over 444,818 volumes.
- Provides a range of services including access to academic databases and interlibrary loans.
- Features modern facilities like wireless internet and a variety of study environments.
ICT services
The Office of Information Technology Services at Pennsylvania Western University offers secure, reliable solutions and services to support the university community. Our team is available to assist students, faculty, and staff with email access, websites, printing, classroom technology, network support, and more.
Medical services
The Health Center is staffed by a medical director, certified registered nurse practitioner, and registered nurses. Healthcare professionals at the center work with special populations to address their specific needs and develop and deliver health and wellness education programs. The safety and wellness of the students, faculty, and staff is the number one priority.
Campus life
PennWest Clarion offers a peaceful academic setting in the charming town of Clarion, located near the Clarion River and just a 20-minute drive from the scenic Cook Forest State Park. Here, it’s not just about earning a degree—it’s about building a life.
Sports facilities
- Home to the PennWest Clarion Eagles, it has 15 NCAA Division II women’s and men’s varsity teams participating in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC).
- PennWest Clarion’s competitive sports clubs are started and maintained by students. The clubs compete against off-campus rivals in a variety of sports, including basketball, volleyball, rugby, and cheerleading.
Student clubs
College is much more than what you learn in the classroom. With more than 140 student clubs and organizations, plus countless activities, student leadership opportunities, and events on campus, there's something for everyone at PennWest Clarion.
Clarion students are busy and enthusiastic, taking part and filling leadership roles in student organizations, Greek organizations, the University Activities Board, the Student Senate, and a variety of other initiatives.
- Clarion Students’ Association
- University Activity Board (UAB)
- Leadership Engagement and Development (LEAD)
- Greek Life
Accreditation
Pennsylvania Western University today announced that the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) has formally reaffirmed the university’s institutional accreditation through 2033.
PennWest’s reaffirmation caps a self-study begun in 2023, an onsite evaluation visit in March 2025 and the commission’s formal vote in June. During the visit, a peer-review team met with students, faculty, staff, administrators and trustees, examining everything from academic assessment and student support to governance, finance and planning.