Overview
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Lehigh Valley is an open admission public four-year institution in Center Valley, Pennsylvania. The school accepts most applicants who complete the application process.
Admission Guide
Apply through the Penn State application by November 30 for priority consideration, though the university accepts applications through February for fall admission. You need your high school transcript, SAT or ACT scores, and a personal statement. Penn State operates on a rolling admissions basis, so submitting earlier gives you better access to housing and course selection.
Penn State Lehigh Valley functions as a commonwealth campus where you can complete your first two years before transferring to University Park or finishing your degree on campus. The campus offers select four-year programs including business, information sciences and technology, and psychology. If you plan to pursue engineering, nursing, or other competitive majors not offered at Lehigh Valley, you will need to complete prerequisites here before transferring to University Park, where admission becomes more selective.
Housing is limited since most students commute from the surrounding Lehigh Valley area. The campus provides residence halls for about 200 students, so apply for housing immediately after admission if you want to live on campus. New Student Orientation occurs during the summer before your first semester and covers course registration, campus resources, and transfer planning.
The campus sits in Center Valley, close to Allentown and Bethlehem, providing internship and job opportunities with local businesses. Class sizes remain small, typically under 30 students, giving you direct access to professors. Academic advising focuses heavily on transfer planning since many students eventually move to University Park to complete specialized majors not available at the Lehigh Valley campus.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $19,324/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $15,180
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $25,118
- Students Receiving Aid
- 33%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 17.4%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $63,435/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 81.6%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the application deadlines for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Lehigh Valley?
Penn State Lehigh Valley follows the same application deadlines as the Penn State system, with priority deadlines typically in November for fall admission. Check the Penn State admissions website for current year-specific dates.
Does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Lehigh Valley require SAT or ACT scores?
Penn State Lehigh Valley follows Penn State's standardized testing policy. The university has adopted test-optional admissions for recent application cycles, though submitting scores may still benefit your application.
Can you transfer from Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Lehigh Valley to University Park?
Yes, students can transfer between Penn State campuses through the 2+2 program or standard transfer process. Many students start at Lehigh Valley and complete their final two years at University Park or other Penn State campuses.
What programs can you complete entirely at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Lehigh Valley?
Penn State Lehigh Valley offers select four-year degree programs that can be completed on campus. Most students use the campus for general education requirements before transferring to complete specialized majors at other Penn State locations.