Your Future Starts Here

A Penn State education means access to award-winning faculty, highly ranked programs, hands-on research, internship opportunities, and the power of more than 725,000 alumni ready to help you navigate your career.

Aerial View of Penn State Altoona

Why Penn State Altoona?

Penn State Altoona offers the appeal of a small, private college with the name recognition and prestige of a major research university. Our goal is to help you reach your educational, personal, and professional goals.

Pursue your future career with one of our academic degree programs and out-of-class learning opportunities. Get involved with one of our clubs or organizations, cheer on our NCAA teams, and take advantage of a variety of student support services.

A graduate smiling at the spring 2022 commencement ceremony

Explore Academics

You've got options! Start your education at Penn State Altoona and choose to stay here to complete one of our 21 bachelor's degree programs, or begin one of Penn State's 275+ majors here and complete them at another Penn State campus.

Students walking near the Penn State Altoona campus reflecting pond.

How to Become a Penn Stater

From first-year, transfer, and international students to veterans from our Armed Forces and high school guidance counselors, we have the information you need.

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Visit Us

The photos, facts, and stories are all great, but nothing replaces an actual campus visit. Choose the visitation experience that's right for you and get to know Penn State Altoona!

Students studying abroad

Out-of-Class Learning

Explore out-of-classroom academic experiences that complement in-class learning.

Students jumping for joy

New Student Orientation

After placement testing, students attend New Student Orientation (NSO); a one-day mandatory program during the summer or in January to secure a Penn State ID card, discuss placement test results and academic plans, participate in course scheduling and registration, and learn about student life and campus involvement.