Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Wilkes-Barre

Penn State Wilkes-Barre traces its roots back to 1916, born from the critical need for skilled engineers in the booming anthracite mining industry of the Wyoming Valley. Local citizens and Penn State graduates championed its creation, initially offering evening classes in advanced mathematics and various engineering fields. This commitment to meeting regional needs has always been at the heart of the campus, providing essential education that fueled local industry.

Over the decades, the campus expanded its academic offerings significantly. From three-year engineering certificates in the 1920s and crucial World War II training for war production workers, it evolved to introduce daytime courses for returning veterans in 1947. By 1953, it was granting associate degrees in engineering, eventually offering the first two years of over 100 Penn State majors. Its commitment to practical, in-demand skills culminated in its first baccalaureate degree, a B.S. in electrical engineering technology, in 1987. The campus is particularly noted for its unique land surveying program, a testament to its specialized academic strengths.

In 1968, the campus found its permanent home on a beautiful 54-acre estate in Lehman, PA, centered around the impressive Hayfield House. This rural/suburban setting fostered a close-knit environment for its commuter students. Beyond its physical campus, Penn State Wilkes-Barre extended its reach to rural Bradford and Sullivan Counties through the Northern Tier Center, embodying the university's mission to serve wider communities.

While it has a rich history of service and academic innovation, Penn State Wilkes-Barre, with an enrollment of 232 students, is slated to close after the Spring 2027 semester. This decision, announced in May 2025, reflects changing educational landscapes and financial realities, marking the end of an era for this historic campus. Students currently enrolled will receive transition support, and its distinctive land surveying program will relocate within the Penn State system.