PennWest highlights year of student success, innovation and regional impact in 2025 –2026 Impact Report
PennWest University has released its 2025 –2026 Impact Report, highlighting a year of momentum, innovation and measurable impact through expanded educational opportunities, workforce partnerships, student success initiatives and investments that strengthen communities across Pennsylvania.
The report highlights how PennWest continues fulfilling its mission of transforming lives through accessible, high-quality, career-connected education while serving as a driver of workforce development, economic growth and regional vitality.
“PennWest continues to build a university that is responsive to the needs of our students, employers and the communities we serve, ” said PennWest President Jon Anderson. “This report reflects the incredible work of our faculty, staff, students, alumni and partners who are helping us expand opportunity and prepare graduates for meaningful careers and lives of purpose. ”
During the 2025 –2026 academic year, PennWest served nearly 12,000 students while achieving strong student success outcomes, including a 71% first-year retention rate, awarding 2,629 degrees and maintaining a 96% graduate success rate, with graduates employed or continuing their education within six months.
The report also highlights PennWest’s commitment to workforce readiness through formal partnerships with organizations, including Google, the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM ) and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). These partnerships expanded access to healthcare pathways, artificial intelligence training and industry-recognized credentials that prepare students for in-demand careers.
Additional highlights include:
- More than 1,960 educational partnerships and pathways supporting student access and workforce development.
- Launch of the Experiential Learning Center to expand internships, research, community engagement and other high-impact learning opportunities.
- Continued progress on the new Science Center at PennWest California, a major investment in teaching, research and student success.
- More than $27 million secured in federal, state and private grant funding to support research, student success and workforce initiatives.
- $127 million awarded in institutional scholarships and financial aid to increase access and affordability.
- National recognition for PennWest’s integrated marketing and storytelling efforts through the Educational Advertising Awards.
The report also showcases stories that demonstrate PennWest’s impact beyond the classroom, including student entrepreneurship, community service, experiential learning, academic distinction, philanthropy and NCAA Division II athletic achievements.
PennWest will continue implementing its future-focused academic programs, launch a new university Strategic Plan and advance a comprehensive Facilities Master Plan to support enrollment growth, student success and long-term sustainability.
The interactive 2025 –2026 Impact Report features stories, videos, metrics and highlights that illustrate PennWest’s continued commitment to serving students, employers and communities throughout western Pennsylvania and beyond.
The full report is available at pennwest.edu/impact.
