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Penn State New Kensington

Penn State New Kensington is a commonwealth campus of the Pennsylvania State University located in Upper Burrell, Pennsylvania, approximately 17 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. Situated on 72 beautifully wooded acres, the campus serves as a vital educational and economic anchor for the Alle-Kiski Valley. It offers a small-college atmosphere with an enrollment of approximately 500 students, providing the personal attention of a private college alongside the vast resources and global prestige of a top-tier research university. The campus is particularly noted for its focus on engineering technology, healthcare, and community revitalization, serving a diverse population that includes a significant number of first-generation and adult learners.

The campus was founded in 1958 in response to a local study identifying a critical need for higher education within the city of New Kensington. It began its life in the First Ward School Building before moving to the former Parnassus Junior High School in 1963. A major turning point occurred that same year when ALCOA donated 35 acres of land in Upper Burrell, leading to the opening of the first campus building, the Engineering Building, in 1966. Over the following decades, the campus expanded its footprint and facilities, including the addition of the Forum Theatre in 1971 and the Robert D. Arbuckle Technology Building in 1990. Throughout its history, the campus has evolved from a local training center into a technically advanced university hub that remains deeply connected to its industrial roots while pivoting toward the digital age.

Penn State New Kensington stands as a model for how a regional university can lead the revitalization of a "Rust Belt" community. By combining its historic legacy in engineering with forward-looking initiatives like the Digital Foundry, the campus ensures its graduates are uniquely prepared for the next industrial revolution. Its commitment to social mobility and accessible education—reflected in its high percentage of adult learners and veterans—secures its place as a critical asset for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. For students seeking a high-tech education grounded in a supportive, community-focused environment, New Kensington offers the perfect bridge between local roots and global opportunities.

Institute Profile

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University Name Penn State New Kensington
Year Established 1958
Governing Type Public
Student Body Co-education
Highest Degree Bachelors
Campus Type Sub-urban

Location

The institute is located in New Kensington, Pennsylvania. Find the address and map of the institute below.

Address 3550 7th Street Rd, New Kensington, Pennsylvania, United States

Contact

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Phone +1 724-334-6000
Website Penn State New Kensington Website

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Information on Penn State New Kensington was last updated on March 01, 2026.

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