Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington

Nestled in the beautiful suburban landscape outside Philadelphia, Penn State Abington offers a distinctive Penn State experience rooted in a rich and fascinating history. As a proud Commonwealth campus, it provides students with the renowned academic excellence of Penn State within a close-knit, supportive environment. This campus isn't just a place of learning; it's a testament to educational evolution, transforming from a trailblazing private girls' school into the dynamic university it is today.

The story of Penn State Abington begins in 1850 with the Chestnut Street Female Seminary, a pioneering institution founded by Mary Bonney and Harriette A. Dillaye to provide girls with a classical education. This seminary grew, eventually moving to banker Jay Cooke’s magnificent 'Ogontz' estate in 1883, lending the campus its memorable name, The Ogontz School for Girls. Under the visionary leadership of Abby A. Sutherland, the school continued to thrive and expand, relocating to its current Abington Township site in 1916. This legacy of educational innovation culminated in 1950 when Sutherland generously donated the entire property to Pennsylvania State University, birthing what was initially known as Penn State Ogontz.

Over the decades, the campus has evolved, embracing its connection to the local community by being renamed Penn State Abington-Ogontz in 1995, and finally Penn State Abington in 1997. Today, students at Penn State Abington benefit from the expansive resources of a world-class university coupled with the personal attention often found in smaller settings. It’s a place where tradition meets forward-thinking education, preparing students for successful futures while honoring its unique past, including its brief connection to the legendary Amelia Earhart.