Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre

The campus offers a focused selection of seven bachelor's degrees and several associate degrees, with popular majors including Business, Engineering, and Information Sciences. All programs leverage Penn State's extensive resources while maintaining small class sizes (10:1 student-faculty ratio). A distinctive feature is the 2+2 plan, where students can begin any of Penn State's 160+ majors at Wilkes-Barre before transitioning to another campus. The engineering programs emphasize hands-on learning, with specialized labs in the LEED-certified Science Building. Graduation rates are modest at 19-27%, reflecting the campus's role as both a destination and stepping stone within the Penn State system.

Set on a 58-acre former estate with hiking trails and a pond, the campus blends collegiate atmosphere with natural beauty. Student life revolves around:

• NCAA Division III athletics (basketball, baseball, softball)
• 15+ clubs including THON fundraising and esports
• Outdoor recreation like disc golf and ice skating

The Lehman-based campus fosters close relationships through small classes and residential options (though many students commute). Its location 13 miles from Wilkes-Barre provides access to urban amenities while maintaining a suburban feel. Unique traditions include participation in Penn State's THON, the world's largest student-run philanthropy.

The 27% six-year graduation rate is below national averages for four-year institutions, though many students transfer within the Penn State system before completing degrees. Alumni outcomes show:

• $63,435 average early-career salary (exceeding many regional peers)
• 77.3% pass rate on professional certification exams for business graduates
• Strong industry connections in northeastern Pennsylvania's healthcare and manufacturing sectors

Notably, graduates earn the same Penn State degree as University Park alumni, with the Wilkes-Barre campus serving as an affordable launchpad into the university's powerful alumni network.

With 91% of students receiving financial aid, Penn State Wilkes-Barre positions itself as an affordable entry to the university system:

• $16,275 average net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. after aid
• $13,824 in-state tuition ($23,786 out-of-state)
• $9,576 average aid package

The campus participates in all federal and state grant programs, with particular emphasis on supporting first-generation?First-generation (first-gen)A student who would be the first in their immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Many colleges consider this in context. and Pell-eligible students from northeastern Pennsylvania. Cost calculators help families estimate true expenses, which run about 20% below Penn State's University Park campus.

Penn State Wilkes-Barre carves a unique niche as both an accessible starting line and full-fledged academic destination. Its scenic campus delivers the Penn State brand at a fraction of the flagship's cost and selectivity, while maintaining unusually personal attention (10:1 ratio) for a state university. The engineering and business programs punch above their weight with industry connections, and the 2+2 system lets students begin any Penn State major here. For first-generation?First-generation (first-gen)A student who would be the first in their immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Many colleges consider this in context. students and those needing academic support, it offers a softer landing than University Park—though the modest graduation rates suggest some struggle to navigate the transition to four-year work. Ultimately, it's a place where determined students can claim a Big Ten education on a community college scale.