NEPA Colleges & Universities
Posted: November 7, 2023
When It Comes to Post Secondary Education, Staying Local Makes Sense
Nittany Lion pride shines at Penn State University Scranton campus.
Find the right fit at one of NEPA’s 20 colleges and universities.
The Greater Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton and Scranton areas alone offer over a dozen higher education options. Penn State University, Lackawanna College and Luzerne County Community College have several campuses across the region as well. And many schools connect to rural areas through satellite campuses and on-line degree programs. For many local students, the future is only a short commute or a few clicks away.
Most of NEPA’s colleges are surrounded by thousands of things to do. From dining and shopping to entertainment and recreation, it’s all walkable, drive-able or just a short bus ride away. Students can be in class in the afternoon and at a concert with friends thirty minutes later. Or start the day with a refreshing bike ride and go from trail to campus bike rack in minutes. Many communities also offer safe, reliable public transportation.
From the Schuylkill River Region and the Endless Mountains to the Valley Cities, the Pocono Mountains and everything in between, NEPA students are never far from opportunities to learn.
We’ve Got it All Here
Wilkes University’s WARLOC supercomputer in action.
Local students have access to nationally recognized programs and faculty.
With abundant natural resources, access to some of the region’s best technology and a rich, local history, NEPA schools offer rewarding classroom experiences.
Students may find themselves studying Biology or Forestry in one of NEPA’s 17 state parks. Some may even complete a rotation at their hometown pharmacy. And it’s very common for many students to train as nurses or teachers within the very same communities in which they grew up.
NEPA’s local colleges and universities offer a model of community-based learning that you just can’t duplicate anywhere else. And with friends and family close by, many schools offer a unique level of comfort and familiarity.
This is Where You Belong
Culinary Arts students at Lackawanna College earning hands-on experience in the kitchen.
NEPA schools help students put their education to work.
Every semester, students take advantage of rewarding internship opportunities with NEPA companies. Year after year, local colleges turn out engineers, welders, video editors, nurses and so much more. Many of them go on to start their careers right here in NEPA. And there are many reasons for them to stay — wages are steady, cost of living can’t be beat and housing is affordable.
When it comes to hiring, local employers just feel more confident with homegrown talent. With a local education and plenty of local employers eager to hire, a good career and a fulfilling life in NEPA is well within reach.
Choosing a college isn’t easy. Get out there and explore your options. Just be sure to check out the many incredible opportunities right here at home.
Check Out NEPA’s 20 Colleges and Universities:
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Alvernia University -- Pottsville CollegeTowne
Pottsville, PA
Choose from 13 bachelor’s degree programs, a credit certificate program and 5 graduate degree programs.
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Bloomsburg University
Bloomsburg, PA
Bloomsburg University offers 56 undergraduate programs, 58+ minors and 20 graduate programs.
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Clarks Summit University
Clarks Summit, PA
Clarks Summit University prepares students for careers in Christian ministries across the globe.
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East Stroudsburg University
East Stroudsburg, PA
ESU’s Student Activity Association owns Stony Acres, a 119-acre off-campus recreation area with a lodge and a small lake.
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Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Scranton, PA
A Geisinger Commonwealth education emphasizes active learning and community engagement.
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Johnson College
Scranton, PA / Hazleton, PA
Over 70% of faculty have more than 10 years of industry experience. Choose from 18 Associate Degree programs plus one-year and hourly certificate options.
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Keystone College
Factoryville, PA
Average student to faculty ratio 11:1. Over 50 degree program options and 18 Division III athletic teams.
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King’s College
Wilkes-Barre, PA
King’s offers a 3 + 2 Engineering Dual Degree Program with the University of Notre Dame.
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Lackawanna College
Scranton, PA / Multiple Satellite Locations
For over 120 years, Lackawanna College has empowered students to become the next generation of leaders.
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Luzerne County Community College
Nanticoke, PA / Multiple Satellite Locations
LCCC offers 2-year, Associate Degree, certificate and diploma programs. The school also offers dual admission programs with many local, 4-year universities.
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Marywood University
Dunmore, PA
87% of Marywood’s full-time faculty members hold the highest degree in their field. Choose from over 80 majors.
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Misericordia University
Dallas, PA
One of the region’s top colleges for teacher education, and health and medical sciences.
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Northampton Community College
Tannersville, PA / Multiple Locations
Home to three of the last seven PA Professors of the Year with degree, certificate and diploma programs in over 100 fields.
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Penn State University – Hazleton
Sugarloaf Twp., PA
More than 87% of students receive some form of financial assistance. Offers bachelor’s and associate’s degree programs and first 2 years of over 275 Penn State majors.
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Penn State University – Scranton
Dunmore, PA
Average class size: 23 students. In-state tuition costs among lowest among colleges in the region.
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Penn State University – Schuylkill
Schuylkill Haven, PA
University’s 2+2 plan allows students to begin first 2 years of study locally and complete final 2 years at Penn State Main Campus in State College.
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Penn State University – Wilkes-Barre
Lehman Twp., PA
All the charm of a small campus combined with the resources of a major research university. Offers 8 bachelor’s degree, 4 associate degree programs.
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The Joseph F. McCloskey School of Nursing
Pottsville, PA
Earn a degree in professional Nursing through their convenient, 3-year diploma program, which includes 1 year of pre-requisite courses and 2 years of nursing courses.
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The University of Scranton
Scranton, PA
Named a Best College for 2024 by U.S. News & World Report. Choose from 69 majors, 50 minors and over 30 graduate degree programs.
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Wilkes University
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Explore opportunities in 45 undergraduate majors, 29 graduate degrees and certificate programs. And enjoy a 13:1 student faculty ratio.
Article updated from its original version published on 6/6/18.
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