Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College Athletics

Penn State Erie-Behrend competes in NCAA Division III, where sports focus on personal development rather than revenue generation and athletic scholarships aren't offered. About 12% of the 3,172 students participate in varsity athletics across 24 sports programs. The Lions compete in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference for most sports, though they maintain ties to the broader Penn State athletic tradition. Division III emphasizes the student-athlete experience over commercial appeal, meaning games draw modest crowds of classmates and families rather than packed stadiums. The campus takes pride in its competitive programs while maintaining the academic focus expected at a Penn State regional campus. Student-athletes balance rigorous coursework with their sport, embodying the Division III philosophy of athletics as part of a well-rounded college experience.