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Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Lehigh Valley

Center Valley, PA

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Quick Facts

1912
Founded
Public satellite campus
Type
40 acres
Campus
902
Total Students
898
Undergrad
1
Graduate
$15K
Tuition (In-State)
$25K
Tuition (Out-State)
$19K
Avg Net Price
94%
Acceptance Rate
17%
Graduation Rate
6-year
82%
Retention Rate
President: Neeli Bendapudi

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Lehigh Valley

Penn State Lehigh Valley: Dynamic education, rooted in community, evolving for over a century.

Penn State Lehigh Valley stands as a testament to educational adaptability and community commitment, offering a renowned Penn State experience right in the heart of the Lehigh Valley. What began in 1912 as a modest evening school for professional training in Allentown has blossomed into a comprehensive public satellite campus, consistently evolving to meet the region's diverse educational needs. From its early focus on engineering for local factory workers to providing crucial programs for returning WWII veterans, the campus has a rich history of tailoring its offerings to empower its students.

Today, Penn State Lehigh Valley provides a robust academic environment, known for its baccalaureate degree programs and extensive continuing education opportunities. Its history includes pioneering two-year and eventually four-year baccalaureate degrees, and expanding its curriculum to include fields like electrical and mechanical engineering technology, business administration, and elementary education. The campus fosters a close-knit learning experience, allowing students to access the prestigious Penn State education in a supportive, community-focused setting.

With approximately 900 undergraduate students and thousands more engaging in its continuing education programs annually, Penn State Lehigh Valley is a vibrant hub of learning. Its significant growth, including moves to modern facilities in Fogelsville and later the expansive Center Valley campus, underscores its dedication to providing state-of-the-art educational resources. Students here benefit from a legacy of innovation and a forward-looking approach to education, preparing them for success in an ever-changing world.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1912 as Penn State's first permanent branch school, providing professional training.
  • Serves approximately 899 undergraduate students, offering access to a prestigious Penn State education.
  • Engages an additional 3,000 students annually through its comprehensive continuing education programs.
  • Pioneered two-year and later four-year baccalaureate degrees, adapting curriculum to meet evolving community and student needs.
  • Features a modern, significantly expanded campus in Center Valley, occupied since September 2009.
  • Known for its historical adaptability, from early engineering and business programs to current elementary education degrees.

Timeline

1912
Penn State opened its first permanent branch school in Allentown, offering evening engineering courses.
1951
Curriculum expanded to include associate degrees; university purchased factory building for Allentown Center.
1977
Campus moved to a new facility on a 40-acre tract of land in Fogelsville.
1990s
Campus changed its name to Penn State Lehigh Valley and became part of Penn State Berks-Lehigh Valley College.
2003
Opened a second site, the Corporate Learning Center, in Bethlehem.
2005
Penn State restructured, discontinuing the Berks-Lehigh Valley College partnership.
2009
Penn State University board approved the purchase of the Center Valley facility (March).
2009
Classes moved to the new, significantly larger Center Valley campus (September).
2010
Corporate Learning programs were moved to Center Valley and then closed at the end of the year.
🏛️
114 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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