When it comes to Penn State, most people automatically think of University Park. After all, it’s the flagship campus and home to over 40,000 students. But did you know that Penn State has 19 other campuses spread throughout the state? Each campus has its own unique character and offerings, making them worth exploring. So, what is the best Penn State campus besides University Park? Let’s take a closer look.
From the bustling city vibe of Penn State Harrisburg to the picturesque setting of Penn State Behrend, each campus has something to offer. Whether you’re looking for small class sizes, a strong sense of community, or specialized programs, there’s a campus out there for you. So, let’s dive in and discover the hidden gems of Penn State’s lesser-known campuses.
The answer to this question depends on your personal preferences and academic goals. However, some popular options include Penn State Harrisburg, Penn State Behrend, and Penn State Abington. Penn State Harrisburg offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, while Penn State Behrend is known for its engineering and business programs. Penn State Abington is a smaller campus with a focus on teaching and research. Consider visiting these campuses and talking to current students to determine which one is the best fit for you.
Discovering the Best Penn State Campus Beyond University Park
Pennsylvania State University has more than one campus, but University Park is the one that comes to mind first. However, there are other campuses that offer a unique experience and have their own charm. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the best Penn State campuses beyond University Park.
1. Penn State Abington
Located in Abington, Pennsylvania, Penn State Abington is known for its diverse community and small class sizes. With a student to faculty ratio of 14:1, students can expect personalized attention and guidance from teachers. The campus offers more than 30 bachelor’s degree programs, including business, psychology, and biology. The campus also has a unique program in American Studies, examining the history, culture, and politics of the United States.
Penn State Abington has many benefits, including a strong commitment to sustainability. The campus has installed solar panels, a geothermal heating and cooling system, and a green roof. Students can also get involved with the campus’s Sustainability Club and help to promote sustainable living.
2. Penn State Berks
Penn State Berks is located in Reading, Pennsylvania, and offers more than 20 bachelor’s degree programs. The campus prides itself on its strong sense of community, with a student body of around 2,800 students. The campus has a diverse range of clubs and organizations, including a student-run radio station and a theatre group.
Penn State Berks also has many benefits, such as a commitment to undergraduate research. The campus has a Research Symposium each year, where students can present their research projects. The campus also has a Writing Center, where students can receive help with their writing assignments.
3. Penn State Brandywine
Penn State Brandywine is located in Media, Pennsylvania, and offers more than 20 bachelor’s degree programs. The campus has a strong focus on community service, with many opportunities for students to get involved in volunteer work. The campus also has a Writing Studio, where students can receive help with their writing assignments.
Penn State Brandywine also has many benefits, such as a strong sense of community. The campus has a student body of around 1,300 students, and students can get involved in a range of clubs and organizations, including a student-run newspaper and a theatre group.
4. Penn State Harrisburg
Penn State Harrisburg is located in Middletown, Pennsylvania, and offers more than 30 bachelor’s degree programs. The campus has a strong focus on research, with many opportunities for students to get involved in undergraduate research projects. The campus also has a Writing Center, where students can receive help with their writing assignments.
Penn State Harrisburg also has many benefits, such as a strong commitment to diversity. The campus has a Diversity and Educational Equity Committee, which works to promote diversity and inclusion on campus. The campus also has a range of clubs and organizations, including a student-run newspaper and a theatre group.
5. Penn State Lehigh Valley
Penn State Lehigh Valley is located in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, and offers more than 10 bachelor’s degree programs. The campus has a strong focus on community service, with many opportunities for students to get involved in volunteer work. The campus also has a Writing Center, where students can receive help with their writing assignments.
Penn State Lehigh Valley also has many benefits, such as a strong sense of community. The campus has a student body of around 1,000 students, and students can get involved in a range of clubs and organizations, including a student-run newspaper and a theatre group.
6. Penn State Mont Alto
Penn State Mont Alto is located in Mont Alto, Pennsylvania, and offers more than 10 bachelor’s degree programs. The campus has a strong focus on sustainability, with many green initiatives and a commitment to promoting sustainable living. The campus also has a Writing Center, where students can receive help with their writing assignments.
Penn State Mont Alto also has many benefits, such as a strong sense of community. The campus has a student body of around 1,200 students, and students can get involved in a range of clubs and organizations, including a student-run newspaper and a theatre group.
7. Penn State Scranton
Penn State Scranton is located in Dunmore, Pennsylvania, and offers more than 10 bachelor’s degree programs. The campus has a strong focus on community service, with many opportunities for students to get involved in volunteer work. The campus also has a Writing Center, where students can receive help with their writing assignments.
Penn State Scranton also has many benefits, such as a strong sense of community. The campus has a student body of around 1,000 students, and students can get involved in a range of clubs and organizations, including a student-run newspaper and a theatre group.
8. Penn State Shenango
Penn State Shenango is located in Sharon, Pennsylvania, and offers more than 5 bachelor’s degree programs. The campus has a strong focus on community service, with many opportunities for students to get involved in volunteer work. The campus also has a Writing Center, where students can receive help with their writing assignments.
Penn State Shenango also has many benefits, such as a strong sense of community. The campus has a student body of around 500 students, and students can get involved in a range of clubs and organizations, including a student-run newspaper and a theatre group.
9. Penn State Wilkes-Barre
Penn State Wilkes-Barre is located in Lehman, Pennsylvania, and offers more than 10 bachelor’s degree programs. The campus has a strong focus on community service, with many opportunities for students to get involved in volunteer work. The campus also has a Writing Center, where students can receive help with their writing assignments.
Penn State Wilkes-Barre also has many benefits, such as a strong sense of community. The campus has a student body of around 500 students, and students can get involved in a range of clubs and organizations, including a student-run newspaper and a theatre group.
10. Penn State York
Penn State York is located in York, Pennsylvania, and offers more than 10 bachelor’s degree programs. The campus has a strong focus on community service, with many opportunities for students to get involved in volunteer work. The campus also has a Writing Center, where students can receive help with their writing assignments.
Penn State York also has many benefits, such as a strong sense of community. The campus has a student body of around 1,000 students, and students can get involved in a range of clubs and organizations, including a student-run newspaper and a theatre group.
In conclusion, Penn State University has many campuses beyond University Park, each with its own unique atmosphere and benefits. Whether you’re interested in community service, sustainability, research, or a strong sense of community, there’s a campus that’s right for you.
Freequently Asked Questions
Are you considering attending Penn State, but not sure which campus to choose? Here are some commonly asked questions about the best Penn State campus besides University Park.
What is the best Penn State campus besides University Park?
The answer to this question will depend on your personal preferences and academic goals. However, many students choose to attend Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. This campus offers over 40 undergraduate majors, including popular programs in engineering, business, and communication. Additionally, the campus has a strong focus on hands-on learning opportunities, with access to state-of-the-art labs and facilities.
Another popular choice is Penn State Harrisburg, located just a few hours from University Park. This campus offers over 60 undergraduate majors, as well as graduate programs in fields such as public administration, business, and education. Students at Penn State Harrisburg also benefit from small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty.
What are the benefits of attending a smaller Penn State campus?
While University Park is the largest and most well-known Penn State campus, there are many benefits to attending a smaller campus. One of the biggest advantages is the sense of community and personalized attention that students receive. With smaller class sizes, students have more opportunities to interact with their professors and get individualized support. Additionally, smaller campuses often have a more intimate and close-knit campus culture, with a strong emphasis on student organizations and extracurricular activities.
Attending a smaller campus can also provide unique academic opportunities. For example, Penn State Altoona offers a popular Rail Transportation Engineering program that is not available at University Park. Similarly, Penn State Shenango offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that is not offered at any other Penn State campus.
What are some of the most popular majors at Penn State Altoona?
Penn State Altoona offers over 30 undergraduate majors, with a particular focus on business, engineering, and nursing. Some of the most popular majors at this campus include Business Administration, Mechanical Engineering, Nursing, and Criminal Justice. Additionally, Penn State Altoona offers a unique Rail Transportation Engineering program that is not available at any other Penn State campus.
Aside from these traditional majors, Penn State Altoona also offers a variety of interdisciplinary programs, such as Women’s Studies, Environmental Studies, and Integrative Arts. These programs allow students to explore their interests across multiple fields of study and prepare for careers in a wide range of industries.
What is the campus culture like at Penn State Berks?
Penn State Berks is known for its close-knit and supportive campus community. With just over 2,500 students, this campus offers a small and intimate learning environment. Students at Penn State Berks are encouraged to get involved in student organizations and extracurricular activities, such as the Student Government Association, the Berks Lion Ambassadors, and the Athletic Council.
In addition to these social and cultural opportunities, Penn State Berks also offers a variety of academic resources to support student success. These include the Learning Center, which provides tutoring and study skill workshops, and the Career Development Center, which offers career counseling and job search assistance.
What are some of the unique features of Penn State Lehigh Valley?
Penn State Lehigh Valley is located in Center Valley, PA, just a short drive from Allentown and Bethlehem. This campus offers over 160 academic programs, including undergraduate degrees, associate degrees, and certificate programs. Some of the unique features of Penn State Lehigh Valley include its state-of-the-art science labs and its focus on experiential learning opportunities.
One of the most popular programs at Penn State Lehigh Valley is the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, which is offered in partnership with St. Luke’s University Health Network. This program provides students with hands-on clinical experience and prepares them for careers in a variety of healthcare settings. Additionally, Penn State Lehigh Valley offers a variety of cultural and social events throughout the year, including lectures, concerts, and art exhibitions.
Which Penn State housing option is best for you?
In conclusion, while University Park is the flagship campus of Penn State, there are other campuses worth considering. Each campus has its own unique strengths and advantages, whether it be smaller class sizes or specialized programs. It ultimately depends on what the individual student is looking for in their college experience.
One strong contender is the Penn State Behrend campus in Erie, Pennsylvania. With a beautiful location right on the shores of Lake Erie, students can take advantage of unique opportunities such as studying freshwater biology or participating in the school’s yacht club. The campus also boasts a strong engineering program and small class sizes.
Another campus to consider is Penn State Harrisburg, located in Middletown, Pennsylvania. This campus offers a wide range of majors and programs, including business, engineering, and even a highly-regarded Master of Public Administration program. The campus is also conveniently located near the state capital of Harrisburg, providing opportunities for internships and networking.
Ultimately, the best Penn State campus besides University Park depends on the individual student’s needs and preferences. With so many great options to choose from, it’s important to do thorough research and visit campuses to find the right fit.
