This is Penn State Wilkes-Barre

At Penn State Wilkes-Barre, students can access the resources of a major university while interacting in small, friendly classes with faculty they can get to know. We offer the first two years of most of the 275+ baccalaureate degree programs currently offered by Penn State, plus several associate and bachelor’s degree programs students can complete on this campus.

Here we can help students sort through their interests, explore their options, and put them on the path to academic success. Convenient class schedules, financial aid, career counseling, small classes with outstanding faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities all combine to make a Penn State Wilkes-Barre education the best it can be.

We are…  Penn State!

a pocket compass

Guiding Principles and Values

Penn State Wilkes-Barre provides a student-centered educational environment whereby students of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences can access the excellence of Penn State to become productive, responsible global citizens.

The stone wall at the entrance to the Penn State Wilkes-Barre campus

About the Campus

For over 100 years, Penn State Wilkes-Barre has been providing a Penn State education to the citizens of northeastern PA.

Students in a science lab

Majors

Penn State Wilkes-Barre offers a variety of associate and bachelor’s degree programs you can complete on this campus. In addition, numerous professional development opportunities, including certificate programs, are available for working professionals.

Group of students studying together outdoors on a sunny day

2+2 Plan

Some students choose to remain at one campus for all four years, while other students spend their first two years at one campus and transition to University Park or another campus for their remaining two years. No matter where you start, no matter where you finish, your degree will be a Penn State degree—one of the most respected in the country.

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 students. What’s more, students often form close mentoring relationships with their faculty members. 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 and alumni. Career planning begins in a student’s first year of college and continues throughout their lifetime.

Two students in the gym, both jumping for the 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 students, faculty, and staff with 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.

A small group of students meeting with a staff member in the Student Success Services office

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.