Clarion University Admissions

SAT Scores, Acceptance Rate, Financial Aid, Tuition, Graduation Rate & More

by Allen Grove
Dr. Allen Grove is an Alfred University English professor and a college admissions expert with 20 years of experience helping students transition to college.
Updated September 18, 2017

Clarion University Admissions Overview:

Clarion University, with an acceptance rate of 94%, is open to the vast majority of those who apply. Students are required to submit scores from the SAT or ACT--both are accepted equally. In addition to test scores and an application, prospective students should submit high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a writing sample. A campus visit and interview are not required, but are strongly encouraged. Be sure to check out the school's website for more information, and to contact the admissions office with any questions. 

Admissions Data (2016):

Clarion University of Pennsylvania Description:

Founded in 1867, Clarion University of Pennsylvania is a four-year, public university located in Clarion, Pennsylvania. The 128-acre campus supports about 7,000 students with a student / faculty ratio of 19 to 1 and an average class size of 26. Clarion offers more than 90 academic degree programs, including master’s, bachelor’s and associate programs. High-achieving students looking for additional academic challenges should take a look at Clarion’s Honors Program. Students are actively engaged outside of the classroom, for Clarion is home to over 150 student clubs and organizations including a long list of intramurals such as whiffleball, backgammon, and horseshoe pitching. The university also has plenty of fraternities and sororities for those who want to participate in the campus's Greek life. When it comes to intercollegiate athletics, Clarion has 15 athletic programs. Most sports compete in the NCAA Division II Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) while wrestling competes at the Division I level.

Enrollment (2016):

  • Total Enrollment: 5,224 (4,330 undergraduates)
  • Gender Breakdown: 36% Male / 64% Female
  • 82% Full-time

Costs (2016 - 17):

  • Tuition and Fees: $10,287 (in-state); $14,764
  • Books: $1,000 (why so much?)
  • Room and Board: $11,146
  • Other Expenses: $3,596
  • Total Cost: $26,029 (in-state); $30,506 (out-of-state)

Clarion University Financial Aid (2015 - 16):

  • Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 95%
  • Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
    • Grants: 78%
    • Loans: 78%
  • Average Amount of Aid
    • Grants: $5,838
    • Loans: $7,904

Academic Programs:

  • Most Popular Majors: Accounting, Business Administration, Communication, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Liberal Arts, Nursing, Speech Pathology

Transfer, Graduation and Retention Rates:

  • First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 74%
  • Transfer-out Rate: 29%
  • 4-Year Graduation Rate: 36%
  • 6-Year Graduation Rate: 50%

Intercollegiate Athletic Programs:

  • Men's Sports: Football, Wrestling, Swimming and Diving, Golf, Basketball, Baseball
  • Women's Sports: Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball, Softball, Basketball, Track and Field, Cross Country, Swimming and Diving

Data Source:

National Center for Educational Statistics

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