International Student Admission

Welcome!

Penn State is one of the ten largest universities in the United States. Its mission is to improve the lives of people in Pennsylvania, the nation, and the world through integrated programs in teaching, research, and public service. Penn State has over 20 campuses across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including Penn State Wilkes-Barre.

Are you an international student?

International applicants are those who require any type of visa in order to attend Penn State.

About Penn State Wilkes-Barre

At Penn State Wilkes-Barre, you have at your fingertips the major resources of an internationally recognized university combined with a beautiful small-college environment—all designed to encourage student success. While you receive the lasting benefits of a world-class education, you can get involved in our active campus life, learn and grow from relationships both in and out of the classroom, and form friendships that will last a lifetime. You can prepare for your future—at a price many experts call one of the best values in the United States. Penn State faculty are recognized nationally and internationally for achievements in teaching and research. Our faculty members are accessible and friendly, and inspire students with a tradition of Penn State excellence by getting to know you, not just your name.

Academics

Penn State Wilkes-Barre offers outstanding academic opportunities. More than 275 Penn State majors can be started at Penn State Wilkes-Barre and completed at the University Park campus or another Penn State location. It’s a smooth transition—60% of students do it! No matter where you start, your degree will be a Penn State degree, one of the most respected in the world.

In addition, a variety of bachelor’s degree programs can be completed right at this campus:

Business — The Business degree is a professionally oriented program that combines the theoretical underpinnings of core business disciplines, notably management, marketing, finance, and supply chain management, with applied study in a practical setting.

Corporate Communication — The Corporate Communication program prepares students for public information and media relations positions. The degree features cross-disciplinary coursework in business, information systems, and human behavior, and offers a broad foundation in business principles, teamwork, problem solving, and written and oral communication.

Criminal Justice — The Criminal Justice program provides students with an education focused on the understanding and analysis of the justice system as well as prepare students for careers in the administration of justice.

Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) — The EET degree provides a graduate with the technological skills to bridge the gap between scientific advancement and practical electrical devices and systems.

English — The English degree program explores the imaginative and practical uses of English through courses in literature, writing, rhetoric, and language, develops perspectives on human nature and cultural values, and teaches graduates how to gather, analyze, synthesize, and communicate information.

Information Sciences and Technology (IST) — The IST degree provides students with the theoretical frameworks and skill sets necessary to compete and be productive in the information technology-intensive global context that defines the new “Information Age.”

Information Technology (IT) — The IT curriculum provides you with not only technical know-how, but also the ability to see the big picture, to be able to apply the appropriate technology to any given situation, and to know how to implement the solution. 

Project and Supply Chain Management (PSCM) — The PSCM degree program helps to develop knowledge, skills, and abilities in project management. It emphasizes the integration of manufacturing and service operations, logistics, purchasing, and distribution—the functions that enable organizations to cultivate value-creating supply chain networks.

Rehabilitation and Human Services (RHS) — The RHS major prepares student for positions in a variety of human service settings. The program provides a foundation in case management, client assessment, group work, counseling skills, community mental health, children and family interventions, medical aspects of disability and courses related to working with people from different cultural backgrounds.

Surveying Engineering — The Surveying Engineering degree provides a basic undergraduate education required for private and public service in the profession of surveying with particular emphasis being placed on fundamental surveying principles required in all areas of surveying.

Activities

On-campus activities abound for those who wish to participate. You can join one of more than twenty student organizations, or attend cultural events, musical or comedy performances, or guest lectures. Influence campus and University programs and policy through Student Government Association (SGA). Join in the annual THON event, the student-run dance marathon benefitting children with cancer. Compete in an intramural sport or work out in the weight room. The possibilities are numerous.

Housing

Although Penn State Wilkes-Barre does not have on-campus University-owned housing available for students, there are privately owned housing options adjacent to campus as well as off-campus housing opportunities within the community.

Location

Off campus, the city of Wilkes-Barre (less than 13 miles away) offers a variety of cultural events, professional sports, concert venues, shopping and dining. From our location in eastern Pennsylvania, you can easily visit New York City (2 hours), Philadelphia (2 hours), Baltimore (3 hours) and Washington D.C. (4 hours). The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton airport is only half an hour’s drive, should you wish to explore further afield.

Cost of Attendance

The cost of attendance includes living expenses—such as meals, room and board, transportation, and books—in addition to tuition and fees. When considering total costs, students can expect to incur additional expenses during the academic year. Please use the following costs for planning purposes only.

Tuition and Fees: $19,406–$20,408

Additional Estimated Costs:

  • Rooms & Meals: $9,432
  • Books & Supplies: $1,536
  • Travel & Personal: $4,050

Complete information about applying can be found at Penn State’s International Students Admissions pages.