FAQs

 

We're sure you have many questions. Below, we've collected several frequently asked questions, including general information, admissions, grading, housing and more - specific to the needs of international students.

Acclaimed artists, medical professionals, Disney animators and leaders in business, education, the hard and exact sciences, criminal justice and countless other fields have built the foundations of their success at PennWest Edinboro - and so can you!

PennWest Edinboro is the largest and most comprehensive multi-purpose university in northwestern Pennsylvania. The University offers more than 145 areas of academic study at an affordable price and in a safe environment that ensures fair, just and equitable treatment, and nurtures civility, respect and dignity for all members of the University community.

We've committed significant resources to ensure the safety and security of the students, staff and visitors who arrive on our campus. The 14 officers of the PennWest Edinboro Police Department provide the campus with a high degree of protection. Police patrols and programs complement the efforts of various student affairs resources to ensure that a safe and secure learning environment is maintained at all times.

 

PennWest Edinboro is located in northwestern Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania is located in the northeastern part of the United States.

Mileage from major cities to PennWest Edinboro:

  • Erie, PA - 23 miles
  • Cleveland, OH - 95 miles
  • Pittsburgh, PA - 110 miles
  • Buffalo, NY - 114 miles
  • Harrisburg, PA - 281 miles
  • Washington, DC - 355 miles
  • Philadelphia, PA - 388 miles
  • Newark, NJ - 405 miles
  • New York, NY - 414 miles

Weather:

During the academic year (from August to May) you will experience all four meteorological seasons - summer, fall, winter and spring.

When you arrive in August, it will be summer with temperatures ranging from 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F). During the fall/autumn, the temperatures slowly begin to get cooler. Late-November through early-March represents winter in northwestern Pennsylvania, and temperatures can be quite cold, and snowfall can be significant at times. Spring temperatures are typically cool, though the gradual warmup to summer can begin as early as mid-April.

Edinboro offers more than 145 degree programs, including associate (two-year), bachelor's (four-year), master's (graduate), a doctorate in nursing practice, and certificate programs. See the complete listing of programs.

 

For complete information on PennWest Edinboro's international student application process, visit International Student Admissions.

 

Because of the extensive amount of time it takes to secure travel arrangements and acquire a visa, students are requested to submit all information by June 1 for the fall semester and by October15 for the spring semester.

 

The Admissions Office at PennWest Edinboro REQUIRES that all internationally educated applicants have their foreign college or university credentials evaluated by an accredited credential evaluation service. For a list of accredited foreign credential evaluation services, please visit NACES. Transfer applicants must have a "Course-by-Course Report" completed by the service. Many PennWest Edinboro applicants choose World Education Services (WES) as their evaluation service.

 

Acceptable proof of English proficiency include the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) , the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Pearson Test of English, or STEP-EIKEN

The following chart states the minimum required test results from each respective testing organization:

Testing Organization Undergraduate Requirement Graduate Requirement
TOEFL (paper-based) 500 550
TOEFL (iBT) 61 79
IETLS Indicator 6.0 6.5
Pearson 44 53
STEP-EIKEN 2A --

An advance deposit/payment of $500 (USD) is required of all admitted students and serves to confirm a student's intention to attend PennWest Edinboro. It also secures his/her position as a student. If you accept our offer of admission, you must comply with the advanced payment requirement. This requirement is not intended to be an inconvenience. Rather, it is meant to demonstrate your strong intention to attend PennWest Edinboro.

Following receipt of your deposit, PennWest Edinboro will issue your I-20, which is the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status - For Academic and Language Students, and a receipt. You will need the I-20 certificate and a copy of your official acceptance letter to apply for a student visa at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in your country. Before issuing the I-20, PennWest Edinboro requires payment of the $500 advance deposit.

Our standard practice is to send all admitted students an email requesting the advanced deposit. Because airmail is not as timely, we use email to convey this information to you as quickly as possible.

If you're unable to secure a student visa, $400 (USD) of your advance deposit will be refunded less any processing fees. The refund will be processed after we receive your written request to cancel your acceptance.

 

The current cost of studying and living at PennWest Edinboro for one full year is $31,921 for undergraduate students and $31,995 for graduate students. To see a breakdown of these costs, please visit the Student Accounts Office.

 

All accepted undergraduate International students are eligible for academic merit and need-based scholarships. To be reviewed for scholarship you must be accepted and provide financial records including Affidavit of Support.

While international students do not qualify for any type of U.S. or state government aid, merit-based scholarships administered by the University are offered. International students may be considered for these upon completion of the application process. For more information on financial aid and scholarships, visit our Scholarships page.

 

For housing information, visit Student Housing.

 

A reasonable nightly fee will be charged if on-campus housing is needed before the start of classes for continuing international students. Information regarding arrival instructions will be sent to newly admitted students along with the Form I-20.

 

A meal plan provides a set number of on-campus meals from University Dining Services to a student for a specified cost.

Flex dollars are a cash debit account at any dining facility on campus. Flex dollars are built into the meal plan for supplementary purchases, such as a cup of coffee, snacks, etc.

For more information on meal plans, visit Boro Dining.

 

View step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a F-1 Student Visa.

 

In order to serve international students' medical needs and provide our University physicians with information relative to students' personal medical history, we require that upon enrollment you have medical forms completed and submitted to our Student Health Services. Information on how to submit this information will be sent with the Form I-20.

Health insurance is required while attending PennWest Edinboro. Upon accepting admission, you will receive information regarding purchasing health insurance.

 

Orientation is offered each fall for all new international students. During the orientation period, you have the opportunity to meet with the Global Education Office staff and other helpful individuals. Orientation time is reserved to accomplish important University procedures, such as registering for classes, paying tuition bills (full payment for one semester is due upon registration of classes), opening bank accounts, and buying textbooks. This time is also used to introduce students to various University facilities, services and offices. Students also will be able to purchase necessary items such as notebooks, pens, pencils, sheets, blankets, towels, pillows and more.

 

Contact Us

Global Education Office
Ross Hall, 1st Floor
220 Scotland Road
Edinboro, PA 16444
Email: globaled@pennwest.edu
Phone: 814-732-2770