Searching for colleges near Penn State University

Hi everyone! I'm a junior in high school and I've been looking at colleges close to Penn State University, as I really like the campus and the surrounding area. Are there any similar colleges nearby that you can recommend? Thanks!

Hi! It's lovely that you've taken a liking to the area surrounding Penn State University. There are a few colleges not too far from Penn State that you might want to consider:

1. Bucknell University: Located in Lewisburg, PA, about 1.5 hours away from the Penn State main campus, Bucknell is a small liberal arts college that's known for its engineering, management, and strong humanities programs.

2. Juniata College: Around an hour and a half drive from Penn State, Juniata College is another liberal arts college situated in Huntingdon, PA. It's well-regarded for its distinctive “Program of Emphasis” approach to majors and its close-knit, supportive campus community.

3. Susquehanna University: About a 1.5-hour drive from Penn State, Susquehanna University is a private liberal arts college in Selinsgrove, PA, known for its strong business, communications, and arts programs. The campus setting is rural and features strong faculty-student connections.

4. Lycoming College: Located in Williamsport, PA, Lycoming is a small liberal arts college about 1.5 hours from Penn State. It offers personalized academic experiences and a nurturing community.

5. Lock Haven University: Approximately a 1-hour drive from Penn State, Lock Haven University is a public institution in Lock Haven, PA, known for its programs in health professions, education, and criminal justice.

Of course, although they are all located in a similar geographic area, each of these colleges has its own unique atmosphere, academic offerings, and student experiences, so I recommend visiting their websites, attending virtual information sessions, or joining campus tours when possible to get a better understanding of which institution might be the best overall fit for you.

Finally, if you decide to apply to Bucknell or Penn State itself and want tips on how to maximize your chances of acceptance, check out the following blog posts from CollegeVine, which break down how to tackle these particular schools' supplemental essay(s):

- Bucknell: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-bucknell-university-essays/

- Penn State: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-penn-state-essays/

Good luck with your college search!