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If you’re considering Penn State but want to avoid the massive scale of the flagship University Park campus, the university’s alternate campuses—often called commonwealth or branch campuses—offer fantastic options.
These smaller, more intimate settings provide the same prestigious Penn State degree with benefits like lower costs, smaller class sizes, and unique local vibes.
However, 2025 brings big changes: In May, Penn State’s Board of Trustees approved closing seven commonwealth campuses (DuBois, Fayette, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre, and York) after the spring 2027 semester due to declining enrollments and financial pressures.
This leaves 13 vibrant alternate campuses open, with admissions continuing through fall 2025 for all, including those slated for closure.
In this guide, we’ll rank the top alternate Penn State campuses for 2025 based on factors like academics, student life, location, affordability, and enrollment trends. Drawing from official university data, student forums, and recent discussions, we’ll focus on the remaining campuses to help you choose wisely—especially if you’re eyeing the popular 2+2 plan, where you start at a branch for two years before transferring to University Park.
Whether you’re a STEM major, a commuter student, or someone seeking a suburban escape, these picks stand out as the best alternatives.
Why Choose an Alternate Penn State Campus?
Before diving into the rankings, let’s break down the appeal. Penn State’s alternate campuses are spread across Pennsylvania, offering accessible education without the intensity of University Park’s 40,000+ students. Key perks include:
- Affordability: Tuition at branch campuses is often lower, especially for in-state students, with smaller classes reducing the need for expensive resources.
- Flexibility: The 2+2 plan lets you ease into college life before transferring, saving money while building a strong GPA.
- Diverse Experiences: From urban proximity in Abington to lakeside views in Erie, each campus has a unique flavor.
- Academic Quality: All offer baccalaureate and associate degrees, with access to Penn State’s research network and online resources.
However, with closures looming, focus on campuses guaranteed to stay open: Abington, Altoona, Beaver, Behrend (Erie), Berks, Brandywine, Greater Allegheny, Harrisburg, Hazleton, Lehigh Valley, Schuylkill, and Scranton. Enrollment across these has stabilized or grown in some cases, bucking the statewide decline of 43% at closing sites.
We ranked based on:
- Academics and Programs: Degree options, research opportunities, and graduation rates.
- Student Life: Housing, clubs, athletics (mostly NCAA Division III), and diversity.
- Location and Accessibility: Proximity to cities, jobs, and University Park.
- Cost and Value: Tuition savings and financial aid.
- Student Feedback: From forums like Quora, College Confidential, and recent discussions.
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Top 5 Best Alternate Penn State Campuses for 2025
1. Penn State Behrend (Erie) – The Top All-Around Pick
Located on an 854-acre wooded campus just minutes from Erie, Pennsylvania’s fourth-largest city, Penn State Behrend stands out as the best alternate campus for 2025. With over 4,500 students, it’s one of the largest branches, offering a student-centered environment with strong STEM programs—ideal for engineering, business, or sciences.
Pros:
- Robust academics: Over 50 majors, including unique ones like polymer engineering and environmental science. High graduation rates (around 60% in six years) and research opps.
- Vibrant student life: On-campus housing, NCAA Division III athletics, and proximity to Lake Erie for outdoor activities like hiking at Presque Isle State Park.
- Location perks: Urban access to internships in manufacturing and tech, plus a beautiful setting. It’s about 4 hours from University Park, making transfers seamless.
Cons:
- Winters can be harsh with lake-effect snow.
- Less party scene compared to Altoona.
Student reviews praise it as “one of the only branches you can attend for all four years” with a “beautiful campus.” If you’re OOS or STEM-focused, this is your go-to.
2. Penn State Harrisburg – Best for Career-Focused Students
In suburban Middletown, just 8 miles east of Pennsylvania’s capital, Harrisburg serves nearly 5,000 students with over 75 degree programs, including master’s and doctoral options. It’s perfect for politics, public policy, or business majors seeking real-world experience.
Pros:
- Academic strength: Comprehensive offerings, including engineering and criminal justice. Strong internship ties to government and corporations in Harrisburg.
- Student life: Diverse clubs, Division III sports, and on-campus housing. High engagement with a commuter-friendly setup.
- Location: Proximity to D.C. and Baltimore for networking; about 2 hours from University Park.
Cons:
- More commuter-oriented, so residential vibe is subdued.
- Higher cost of living in the area.
Forums call it one of the “best for STEM majors” alongside Behrend, with political opportunities standing out.
3. Penn State Altoona – Best for Proximity to Main Campus
Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, 40 miles from University Park, Altoona enrolls over 2,500 students on a scenic campus. It’s ideal for those wanting a small-college feel with easy access to big-campus events like football games.
Pros:
- Programs: 21 baccalaureate and 5 associate degrees, emphasizing individualized teaching.
- Life on campus: Intimate environment with clubs, athletics, and housing. Great for building connections before transferring.
- Location: Close to State College (60-90 minutes), affordable tuition, and outdoor recreation.
Cons:
- Limited majors compared to larger branches.
- Smaller social scene.
Students on Quora and Facebook highlight its closeness: “Not far from University Park, so it’s close enough to enjoy the athletics.”
4. Penn State Abington – Best for Urban Diversity
On 45 wooded acres, 15 miles north of Philadelphia, Abington hosts over 3,000 diverse students. It’s a residential campus with strong honors programs and global studies.
Pros:
- Academics: 23 majors plus first two years of 275+ others; undergrad research and study abroad.
- Student experience: NCAA Division III sports, 50+ clubs, and a vibrant, inclusive community.
- Location: Philly access for internships and culture; commuter-friendly.
Cons:
- Traffic and urban sprawl.
- Competitive for housing.
It’s often recommended for its “party scene” and diversity in Reddit threads.
5. Penn State Berks – Best for Residential Community
In Berks County, this 258-acre residential campus offers a hometown feel with access to eastern PA cities.
Pros:
- Degrees: Baccalaureate options with research and internships; diverse student body.
- Campus life: Over 50 clubs, Division III athletics, and on-campus housing.
- Appeal: Affordable, with proximity to Allentown and Philadelphia.
Cons:
- Smaller enrollment (around 2,000).
- Less name recognition than Behrend.
Students appreciate its “rich campus life” and balance.
Comparison Table: Top Alternate Campuses at a Glance
| Campus | Enrollment | Key Majors | Location Perks | Tuition Savings vs. UP* | Graduation Rate (6-Year) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Behrend (Erie) | 4,500+ | STEM, Business | Lake Erie, Urban Internships | ~$5,000/year | ~60% | All-Around Excellence |
| Harrisburg | 5,000 | Politics, Engineering | Near Capital, Networking | ~$4,000/year | ~55% | Career Prep |
| Altoona | 2,500+ | General, Sciences | Close to UP, Mountains | ~$6,000/year | ~50% | Easy Transfer |
| Abington | 3,000+ | Honors, Global Studies | Philly Suburbs, Diversity | ~$5,500/year | ~52% | Urban Vibes |
| Berks | ~2,000 | Research, Internships | Eastern PA Access | ~$5,000/year | ~48% | Community Feel |
Honorable Mentions Among Remaining Campuses
- Brandywine: Near Philly, great for commuters with global programs.
- Lehigh Valley: Affordable, with strong business ties in Allentown.
- Scranton: Highest enrollment among smaller ones (827), focused on first-gen students.
Avoid closing campuses for long-term plans, but they’re viable for 2+2 starts through 2027.
Final Thoughts: Making Your Choice in 2025
With Penn State’s changes, the best alternate campuses like Behrend and Harrisburg are poised for growth, offering high-value education amid demographic shifts.
Visit campuses, check the 2+2 plan, and consult advisors. For more, explore Penn State’s official site or forums for real student stories. Whichever you pick, you’ll get that Nittany Lion pride—minus the crowds.