All college bound students and their parents want the best quality education at the best cost.  Clarion University of Pennsylvania meets both of these needs and more.

One measurement of the quality of a University’s academic program is recognition from professional accrediting organizations, groups who often make national standard measurements of academic programs.  Clarion University leads the State System of Higher Education with 27 nationally recognized programs, with the latest national accreditation for our Art program.

Every one of Clarion’s professional schools – Arts & Sciences, Business Administration, and Education and Human Services – has achieved the specialized accreditation acknowledged to be the most prestigious available to the discipline.  Clarion is the only State System of Higher Education university to have specialized accreditations for all of its professional programs.  These accolades from national and international agencies speak for themselves and offer proof that Clarion’s programs rank with the best.

With 6, 500 students attending Clarion, and an average class size of 26, you will be a name and not a number when you are at Clarion.

Continued Growth and Enhancements

The changing needs of student education are a constantly evolving priority.  With technology fueling the future, Clarion is adding “smart” classrooms to buildings in which modern computer technology is blended into the professor’s teaching.  With recent majors in Industrial Mathematics and Environmental programs, as well as a new minor in Nanotechnolgy, Clarion now offers over 90 degree programs at the associate, bachelor, and master’s level.

Students have every opportunity to participate on many levels in the classroom setting.  With a low student to faculty ratio, you can get the hands on experience right away.  By participating in research, field experiences, state, regional, and international conferences, you are sure to get the educational experience you are looking for.

Clarion also understands that the living environment at the college level also needs to grow to meet the needs of students.  With new two and four bedroom apartment-style residences, you can enjoy all the amenities of off-campus apartment living while still being close to all the campus has to offer.

Student Excellence

The basis of the success of Clarion’s students is the individual attention they receive from our highly accredited faculty.  Here, classes are taught by professors, not graduate students.  That means a lot because our faculty members have received national and statewide recognition through grant programs, research, and other national awards including a large number of prestigious Fulbright appointments for teaching, travel and research, which brings real life into their classrooms.  Most of all, they take a real, personal interest in their students, many times working on a one-to-one basis when needed.  At Clarion, you are familiar with your professors and comfortable asking questions and seeking guidance.

Starting with the Fall 2003 entering freshman class, Clarion has implemented the Transitions program.  Transitions is an innovative program created by Clarion University students, faculty and staff to help you become successful in college and beyond.  Transitions is currently a four-part program that focuses on you prior to and during your first year as a student at Clarion University, as well as your sophomore year.  The program will continue to grow to work with you not only through your freshman year at Clarion, but all the way through your senior year.

Campus Living

There is always something exciting happening in Clarion and at our university.  There are concerts, sports, clubs and dances.  Our Autumn Leaf Festival, including the university homecoming, draws more than 150,000 people to enjoy special events, such as a Car Show and Farmer and Crafter’s Day, food and game booths and a parade.  Whatever your interests, Clarion has something for you.  More than 130 student organizations include student government; honorary, media, speech, dramatic and religious organizations; music, performance groups; sororities and fraternities; and a variety of special interest clubs such as our Ski Club, Dance Team, and Paintball Club.  Students who want to volunteer in the community can work with Into the Streets and Habitat for Humanity. 

Become a VIP today!

To better serve you as you look for the best school for your college education, Clarion University has created a personalized, easy-access web site (vip.clarion.edu) for applicants and prospective students.  Based on your unique interests and needs, we will communicate directly with you about events and other important information you might like to know.

For your own VIP web page, personalized for your interests and needs, log on to vip.clarion.edu