Pennsylvania Western University is one of three schools in Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education to launch a new program to simplify and streamline the admission process for students and families.

PennWest joins Kutztown and Shippensburg universities that are now offering real-time acceptance and scholarship offers to high school seniors who meet each university’s admissions requirements through a partnership with Niche Direct Admissions.

“As the second-largest public university in western Pennsylvania, PennWest plays an important role in providing access to higher education for the communities we serve,” said Dr. Jon Anderson, president of PennWest. “We are thrilled to be engaged with Niche as we bring forward our direct admission program to students and families across western Pennsylvania and the commonwealth.”

PennWest has received a generous grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation for each of its three campuses – PennWest California, PennWest Clarion, and PennWest Edinboro – to participate in the Niche Direct Admissions program for two consecutive admissions cycles. The foundation is dedicated to promoting the health and vitality of the Pittsburgh and Southwestern Pennsylvania region by investing in transformative initiatives across various sectors, including education.

This marks the first time any PASSHE university has offered a direct pathway to admission. Across the country, colleges and universities are increasingly adopting this approach to modernize the application process. Direct admission also helps break down barriers to enrollment, especially for first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented minority students.

Prospective high school students create a free profile with Niche – nearly one out of every two college-bound seniors does so each year. High school seniors who meet each university’s admissions requirements will instantly learn if they have been accepted to PennWest, all within their Niche account. Eligible students also receive merit scholarship offers, detailed information about each university, and the option to begin the enrollment process.

Students using direct admissions do not need to submit applications, letters of recommendation, or personal essays to be admitted to PennWest. Students can still apply to these institutions via a traditional application. The same admissions criteria apply to all students, regardless of their chosen admissions process.

“PASSHE is committed to innovating and expanding opportunities for students to get a college education that prepares them for success in Pennsylvania,” said Interim Chancellor Chris Fiorentino. “This direct admissions program at three universities will provide students and families with a more streamlined way to apply for college, saving students time so they can focus on choosing the college that is the best fit for them.