We Are
Penn State New Kensington At Penn State New Kensington, we are building the leaders and innovators of the future. Offering the chance to earn a world-renowned Penn State education along with enriching opportunities in and out of the classroom, Penn State New Kensington gives you a small campus environment with big opportunities.Â
We are Penn State, and you’re going to love it here.
300+
Study Abroad Programs
16:1 Student-Faculty Ratio
Travel the world Privately-Owned Student Housing Available
17 Miles from
Pittsburgh
Make an impact
8+
PSUAC & USCAA Athletic Teams
+Intramural & Club Teams
Create lasting friendships
7,000+
Penn State New Kensington Alumni
Campus meal plan available
$28.5 million contribution to PA economy
Build Connections Air Force ROTC
18+
Clubs and Organizations
Your Future. Your Choice.
At Penn State New Kensington, you choose your own academic path. You can start and finish ten baccalaureate and five associate degree programs at the New Kensington campus, or you can start the first two years of almost all of Penn State’s 275+ majors. The choice is yours!
Start and Finish at Penn State New Kensington Baccalaureate Degrees
Associate Degrees
Administration of Justice B.S.
Biomedical Engineering Technology
Biobehavioral Health B.S.
Business
Business B.S. - Accounting Option - Individualized Business Option - Management and Marketing Option
Information Sciences & Technology
Communications B.A. - Corporate Communications Option - Journalism Option Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology B.S. Information Sciences and Technology B.S. Nursing (RN to BSN) Project and Supply Chain Management B.S. Psychology B.A./B.S.
Letters, Arts and Sciences Radiological Sciences Undecided? Up to 80% of first-year students at Penn State express some uncertainty about their initial choice in major. At Penn State, the Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) allows you to complete your first two years of coursework while exploring program and major offerings that are right for you. With the help of academic advisors along the way, you’ll be able to make a well-informed choice. dus.psu.edu
2+2 Plan Complete the first two years of almost all of the University’s 275+ majors at Penn State New Kensington, and finish the last two years at any other Penn State campus offering your major. More than 50% of Penn State students choose the 2+2 Plan and enjoy many advantages such as smaller class sizes, cost savings, leadership opportunities and interaction with award-winning faculty!
Academics
Academics
A student-focused campus environment with the world-renowned educational opportunities of Penn State create the perfect foundation for students at Penn State New Kensington. The campus offers specialized campus programs and support to set you on a path for success.
Academic and Career Success Center
Research
The climb to success starts at Penn State New Kensington’s Success Center where students will find our offices of career services, academic advising and learning support, which includes free tutoring. Open to all students, the Success Center is a valuable resource to make the most of your Penn State education. newkensington.psu.edu/success-center
Conducting research under the direction of a faculty member is a rewarding experience and a valuable component of undergraduate education for Penn State New Kensington students. Many students also receive credit for research as part of an independent study course. The annual Research and Creative Exposition allows students to present their research, receive feedback from academic judges and network with potential employers at the event’s concurrent job fair.
G.R.E.A.T. Program
Honors Program
The G.R.E.A.T. Program provides qualified engineering and information sciences and technology students with the opportunity to develop and strengthen skills for career and academic success through a variety of unique experiences such as professional workshops, industry site visits and potential long-term internships. newkensington.psu.edu/great-program
Students with significant academic achievements may be invited to apply to Penn State New Kensington’s Honors Program. Selected participants receive a $3,500 scholarship, design a course of study tailored to their academic strengths and interests, work one-on-one with campus faculty, conduct independent research, develop stronger communications skills, earn honors credits and attend special program events. newkensington.psu.edu/honors-program
Your Future
The Corner At our campus, we are innovators, and you can be one too! Penn State New Kensington is teaching its students the skills that will carry you through any academic major or future career, as well as how an idea becomes a reality, through our innovation hub, The Corner. No matter your major, profession or future goals, skills such as collaboration, communication, creativity, problem solving and adaptability will take your education and competitive edge to the next level. newkensington.psu.edu/launchbox
Your Future
Penn State New Kensington actively embraces the evolving academic and professional landscape of today and the future. We focus on nurturing your unique strengths by fostering creative and critical thinking, and our exceptional faculty guide and support you during your academic career so that you’re ready to make a real-world impact with learning beyond the classroom. As you build lasting connections and friendships with faculty, staff, peers and community stakeholders, you’ll have access to opportunities such as research, internships, travel and leadership as you work toward joining more than 700,000 alumni who are powered by Penn State pride.
Penn State New Kensington Students “Steer” Idea Toward Reality All electro-mechanical engineering technology students at Penn State New Kensington must complete a senior design project as part of graduation requirements. For two EMET students, their project also turned them into budding entrepreneurs and finalists in a competition for student-led businesses throughout Penn State. Olivia Sribniak and Anthony Gyke used the resources of The Corner innovation hub and Penn State as they took their idea and formed “Steer Logic,” the first automated team roping robot of its kind. Both students were able to pitch their idea and became the campus’ first, and one of just six, entrepreneurial finalist teams in the Inc.U competition. They were also featured on “The Investment,” a Shark Tank-esque television show, to compete for significant funding for their company. Throughout the process, Olivia and Anthony not only completed their senior project, they built a prototype, formed a business LLC, and learned valuable skills such as taking risks, creative thinking, how to adapt their ideas and stronger communication.
Student Life Experiences outside of the classroom enrich your college career. At Penn State New Kensington, you are encouraged to take part in the many student life opportunities on campus. Get ready to make an impact!
Guest Speakers and Lectures
Alternative Spring Break
Student Government Association
Community Engagement and Service
Music and Performances
Annual Country of Focus Program
Leadership Conferences and Opportunities THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in
the world, and Penn State New Kensington’s THON organization participates annually by raising money throughout the year for the fight against pediatric cancer. It all culminates in a 46-hour, no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon at Penn State’s University Park campus. More than 16,000 Penn Staters participate in THON each year and have helped raise more than $157 million for the Four Diamonds Fund since it began in 1973.
Student Life
Cultural Events
Penn State in Pittsburgh
The Penn State in Pittsburgh series gives students opportunities throughout the year to experience all that the nearby city of Pittsburgh has to offer in the areas of education, culture, athletics and fun! The series also includes Leader Launch, an annual and exclusive event just for Penn State New Kensington students! Participants of the half-day professional and networking conference hear from guest speakers, meet recent Penn State alumni, attend workshops and take part in a networking dinner in the city.
Athletics Student-athletes at Penn State New Kensington roar as one and embody the values of leadership, unity, commitment and competitive spirit as they achieve academic and athletic excellence in 8 varsity men’s and women’s sports. Penn State New Kensington is a national-affiliate of the United States Athletic Association (USCAA) and the Penn State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC).
Men’s Sports
Women’s Sports
• Baseball • Basketball • Golf • Soccer
• Basketball • Golf • Soccer • Softball • Volleyball
USCAA National All-Academic Team Awards
32
Conference Championships
13
USCAA All-Americans
Core Values Leadership • Unity • Commitment • Competitive Spirit
Athletics
54
Roar As One
Life as a Student-Athlete Penn State New Kensington is home to student-athletes who excel on and off the court. Kaylea, a biobehavioral health major, was named the YWCA Westmoreland County Sportswoman of the Year, an honor added to her growing list of athletic and academic accolades already earned during her time at Penn State.
“I define a student-athlete as an individual who strives to better themselves athletically and academically, but not lose sight of one over the other.� - Kaylea Full-Time Personal Training Student-athletes at Penn State New Kensington have access to full-time athletic training care and resources in partnership with Excela Health to provide the overall care and rehabilitation services they need to stay healthy and strong.
@PSNKSports
psnkathletics.com
Admissions How Admission Decisions are Made
2/3
Two-thirds of decision based upon high school academic record
Applications for first-year admission become available from Penn State on August 1 of a student’s senior year.
(grades and rigor of schedule)
One-third of decision based upon standardized test scores
Did you know Penn State receives more than 70,000 first-year student applications?
(either the SAT or the ACT)
1/3 Early Action Want to get your admission decision by December 24 and be considered part of early financial aid awarding in mid-February? Consider applying to Penn State via Early Action. To do so, just submit your complete application by November 1. Early Action is a non-binding commitment by Penn State to review applicants earlier in the admissions cycle. If you don’t apply through Early Action, we recommended submitting your application by November 30.
In order to apply to Penn State, you must submit your application, along with the following supporting materials: • Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) - Applicants are asked to submit their high school record electronically during the application process. School counselors do not need to send transcripts to Penn State for a student to receive a decision. • Official Test Scores: SAT (code #2660) or ACT (code #3656) - The writing component of standardized tests in not required. Note that some programs require additional items such as a portfolio review or an audition. Check with the admissions office for more information.
Admissions
What’s a “complete application?”
Apply to Penn State Create a MyPennState Profile Visit admissions.psu.edu/mypennstate
Consider Your Campus and Major Options Your application includes the chance to select two campuses as starting points to your Penn State degree. Don’t forget - Penn State’s popular 2+2 Plan allows you to begin your journey at Penn State New Kensington and spend your final two years at University Park or any campus offering your major. Also, make sure you meet all the requirements for your major/program of interest.
Start the Penn State Application Through Your MyPennState Account First-year students who apply by Nov. 1 and select to be part of Penn State’s Early Action program will receive their admission decision by Dec. 24. Those filing after Nov. 1, but prior to Nov. 30, will receive a decision no later than Jan. 31. Be sure to complete the entire application, which includes the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR).
Submit Your Application and Required Application Materials In addition to the application, complete the last step after “Summary and Review,” which finalizes the payment of your application fee, to be certain your application has been successfully submitted. You must also submit your SRAR and official SAT (code #2660) or ACT (code #3656) scores.
Check Your Application Status Go to your MyPennState profile to check the status of your application and make sure all materials have been received. Once a decision has been reached, a notification will appear on your profile. Your offer of admission can be accepted through MyPennState also.
Costs & Financial Aid Whether you are interested in the 2+2 Plan or completing your degree at Penn State New Kensington, each year enrolled at our campus saves you close to $5,000 annually compared to University Park. To estimate your costs and see our competitive tuition rates, use Penn State’s College Cost Calculator at tuition.psu.edu
What is Financial Aid? Financial aid is money to help pay for your college education. Scholarships, grants, loans and work-study can help make your education more affordable! It is important to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for all forms of financial assistance. studentaid.gov
Scholarships
are forms of financial aid that do not have to be repaid. Scholarship opportunities can be found from a variety of resources: high school, community organizations and the college or university to which you are applying. All students who are offered admission to Penn State are automatically considered for University scholarships.
Grants
are a form of financial aid that does not have to be repaid. For most, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required.
Loans are a form of aid that must be paid back, usually after graduation.Â
Employment
may be federal or institutional. Federal Work-Study provides part-time employment opportunities for students with financial need (as determined by the FAFSA), allowing students to earn money to help pay for education expenses and gain work experience. As you complete your FAFSA, it is important to choose the option saying that you are interested in Federal Work-Study to be considered.
Costs & Aid
93% of Penn State New Kensington students receive some form of financial aid
$1 Million+ Amount of scholarships awarded to Penn State New Kensington students in a recent academic year
300 Approximate number of Penn State New Kensington students receiving scholarships
Your application to Penn State is also your application for scholarships! However, some scholarship opportunities may require you to submit additional, requested documentation – such as a scholarship application and letter of recommendation. Additionally, we highly encourage all students to submit the FAFSA to be eligible for additional types of aid.
Submit the FAFSA at studentaid.gov Penn State’s FAFSA code is 003329. Students demonstrating the need for financial assistance may be eligible for scholarships, grants, loans and/or work-study. We encourage all students who apply for admission to use the FAFSA.
Contacts and Resources
Get Social! #PSNK @PSNKadmissions
Office of Admissions and Student Aid nkadmissions@psu.edu Call: 724-334-LION or 888-968-PAWS Text: 724-461-1186 newkensington.psu.edu/admission
Undergraduate Admissions
Health Services
admissions@psu.edu 814-865-5471 admissions.psu.edu
newkensington.psu.edu/health-services studentaffairs.psu.edu/health
Financial Aid
newkensington.psu.edu/dualenrollment
nk-finaid@psu.edu 724-334-6047 studentaid.psu.edu
High School Dual Enrollment Nittany Highlands Apartments
Academics
(off-campus, adjacent student housing) 724-938-2355 nittanyhighlands.com
724-334-6030 newkensington.psu.edu/academics
Additional Housing Assistance
Disability Services newkensington.psu.edu/student-disability resources equity.psu.edu/student-disability-resources
newkensington.psu.edu/housing-options
Metz Culinary Management (on-campus dining services) newkensington.psu.edu/campus-dining
“Penn State New Kensington is there to help you figure out who you are and who you want to be.” - Brandon
“Penn State New Kensington is my foundation for the future.” - Tiffany
“Penn State New Kensington is a close community of students, faculty and staff who care for each other and want to see each other succeed.” - Paulina
“Penn State New Kensington is a place to make life-long memories and friends.” -Lauren
“A Penn Stater is someone who seeks out a meaningful life and recognizes that he or she is a piece of something so much greater than themselves.” - Adam
This publication is available in alternative media on request. Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. U.Ed. NK 20-28