From the moment you arrive on campus, you'll
notice something special about Penn State Altoona.

It might be the groves of mature shade trees that
greet you as you walk across our campus, past the
beautiful reflecting pond with our student center at one end and our picturesque all-faiths chapel at the other. Maybe it will be the sun glistening off the gray glass panels of our new Advance Technology Center, equipped with the latest technology. It could be the sounds of our students enjoying a beautiful spring day on a residence hall terrace or the sight of them canoeing on the pond; or you might notice the small size of the classes as you walk through one of our classroom buildings - classes where your professor knows you by name and strives to make your learning experience a meaningful one.

As a first-year student, you may choose from among 20 Penn State campuses to start your education. Many students (about 60 percent) spend their first two years at one campus, then move to another location to finish their degrees. Where you finish depends on your major and the type of campus you prefer.

Army ROTC:

You can sit in a classroom all day and talk about leadership, but the only real way to learn about leadership is to lead. ROTC students get first hand experience as they take turns in leadership
positions. Join us, we'll teach you to lead.

The Nittany Lion Battalion was recently designated a top 5% unit by Cadet Command. Of 270 Army ROTC battalions at colleges and universities across the nation (including large military schools), Penn State ranks 9th in a comprehensive measure of quality and viability.

Continuing Education and Training:

Through Continug Education and Training, Penn State Altoona offers you customized programs to meet your training needs. Our community of faculty and staff will help you achieve your goals - whether they are shooting the perfect basket or integrating technology for tomorrow's needs.

First Year Seminar:

This is a required course designed to ease the transition from high school to college. The small size of the seminars allows for more discussion in class, interaction with the professor, and attention to writing skills. In addition to fulfilling the University’s first year seminar requirement, each three-credit seminar fulfills a general education requirement in either the humanities or social and behavioral sciences.