Penn State Wilkes-Barre is a commonwealth campus of the Pennsylvania State University located in Lehman Township, Pennsylvania, approximately 13 miles west of the city of Wilkes-Barre. Situated on a beautiful, park-like 54-acre estate in the Back Mountain area, the campus provides the prestigious Penn State degree within a supportive, close-knit environment. With an enrollment of approximately 350 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1, it offers an intimate academic experience characterized by small class sizes and personalized mentorship. As of 2025, the university has announced that while the campus will no longer enroll new students, it remains committed to supporting its current student body through the 2026–2027 academic year.
Established in 1916, Penn State Wilkes-Barre holds the distinction of being the oldest higher educational presence in the Wyoming Valley. It was originally founded as an engineering center to meet the technical needs of the region's booming anthracite coal mining industry. Initially, the "Engineering Extension" offered evening classes at a local high school, specializing in surveying, mechanics, and advanced mathematics. The campus underwent a major transformation in the mid-1960s when it moved to its current location, the Hayfield House estate. This million-dollar mansion, built by coal baron John N. Conyngham in the 1930s, was gifted to the university by Richard and Helen Robinson, providing a historic and grand backdrop for the campus’s administrative offices and classrooms.
Penn State Wilkes-Barre stands as a testament to the industrial heritage of Northeastern Pennsylvania, evolving from a night school for miners into a specialized center for engineering and the liberal arts. Its legacy is anchored by the Conyngham family estate and a century of commitment to the Wyoming Valley. Although the campus is currently navigating a period of transition, its contributions to the field of surveying engineering and its role as a pioneer of the Penn State commonwealth system remain significant. It continues to be recognized for its ability to provide a world-class education within a remarkably peaceful and historic setting.
Institute Profile
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University Name
Penn State Wilkes-Barre
Year Established
1916
Governing Type
Public
Student Body
Co-education
Campus Type
Urban
Location
The institute is located in Lehman, Pennsylvania. Find the address and map of the institute below.
Address
44 University Dr, Lehman, Pennsylvania, United States
Contact
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Phone
+1 570-675-9238
Website
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Information on Penn State Wilkes-Barre was last updated on March 01, 2026.
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