Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks Athletics

Penn State Berks competes in NCAA Division III, where sports focus on personal development rather than big-time athletics with no athletic scholarships available. The campus fields 12 varsity teams with 154 total athletes, meaning about 8% of the 1,887 students participate in varsity sports. Division III emphasizes academics over athletics, creating a more balanced student experience compared to the high-pressure environment of Division I programs. The Nittany Lions compete in smaller venues without the packed stadiums found at the main University Park campus. As a Penn State branch campus, Berks benefits from the broader athletic tradition of the Penn State system while maintaining its own intimate sports culture. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio extends to athletic programs, allowing for more personalized coaching and attention for student-athletes.