Why Penn State Wilkes‑Barre?

Where can you get a Big Ten education with all the advantages a small campus has to offer? At Penn State Wilkes-Barre, you choose the degree plan that’s right for you. Whether that’s two years at home and two years at another campus to finish one of Penn State’s 275+ degrees, or all four years at Penn State Wilkes-Barre. And it’s affordable — 91% of our students receive financial aid, including scholarships. Here, you’ll find caring faculty, undergraduate research opportunities, and experienced advisers to prepare you for the career you want. Our alumni are making their mark — join a network of more than 700,000 Penn State graduates around the world!

We are Penn State. And we are here for you every step of the way.

three students sitting outside together studying—two sitting on a stone wall and the third in a wheelchair

Academics

At Penn State Wilkes-Barre, you choose the degree plan that’s right for you. We offer several associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and minors that can be completed right here. Or, you can complete your first two years of coursework here, then transition to another campus to complete your major in one of the 275+ degree programs offered by the University. No matter where you start, no matter where you finish, you’ll get the power of a Penn State degree.

Group of students and their professor in a small seminar

Honors Program

The Honors Program at Penn State Wilkes-Barre provides a means for motivated students to enrich their general education and to deepen their specialized preparation for employment or graduate study. As an honors student, you will have fewer restrictions and more open doors.

Laughing professor talking to class

Excellent Faculty

Penn State Wilkes-Barre’s faculty are friendly and approachable, as well as committed to your success! Because class sections rarely exceed 25-30 students, professors get to know their names. What’s more, students often form close mentoring relationships with their faculty members. Additionally, many of our faculty are professionally active in their academic fields, allowing students to learn from practitioners as well as theoreticians.

Student and faculty member working side-by-side in front of a computer

Internships & Career Connections

The Struthers Family Career Services Center offers a variety of career planning and employment services to students. Career planning begins in your first year of college and continues throughout your lifetime!

Students playing basketball

Outstanding Athletics

Students at Penn State Wilkes-Barre can participate in a variety of club, intramural and intercollegiate sports. The Athletic and Recreation Building (ARB) and its surrounding fields and courts offer a wide range of fitness and wellness options to our students, including specialized equipment and programs.

a large group of smilling Penn State Wilkes-Barre students, faculty, staff, and the Nittany Lion mascot

Leadership Opportunities

There are many ways to pursue your out-of-classroom interests at Penn State Wilkes-Barre. Get involved in one of our clubs or organizations related to community service, culture, professional interests and more.

Students in the Learning Center discussing a writing assignment with a staff member

Student Success Services

Student Success Services (SSS), a TRIO federal grant program, aims to increase college retention, graduation rates, and career options for first-generation college students, those from low-income families, the physically challenged, and students with learning disabilities.