West Chester University is a public university and the largest school in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, founded in 1871 in the historic Chester County borough of West Chester, 25 miles west of Philadelphia. Serving approximately 17,000 students, WCU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs with particular strength in education, health sciences, business, and the performing arts. The Golden Rams compete in the PSAC and the university's proximity to Philadelphia provides significant professional and cultural opportunities.