Pennsylvania College of Technology (PCT, Penn College) History and Academics

History

The Pennsylvania College of Technology began in 1914 as a small local industrial arts school. It offered training programs and adult education to disabled veterans from World War I. The school was officially designated the Williamsport Technical Institute in 1941. By that time, it had already begun to focus on vocational education and operated on a 24-hour-a-day schedule that met the growing needs of the World War II defense industry and returning veterans.

In 1965, the campus was renamed the Williamsport Area Community College, a new institution that was built on Williamsport Technical Institute’s original programs and facilities. The Community College grew throughout the next two decades, adding new campuses and facilities to accommodate its rising student population.

Finally, in 1989, the College was incorporated into the Pennsylvania State University System as the Pennsylvania College of Technology (Penn College). Today, it offers baccalaureate and associate degrees as well as certificate programs. It serves over 6,000 students from across the globe, training them to be competitive in the workplace of tomorrow with state-of-the-art technologies and programs.

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Information Summary

Ranks 93rd in Pennsylvania and 998th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	80.3
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$33,152
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	15 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	80% / 43%
Enrollment Total (all students)	5,322

Academics

Penn College seeks to be the premier technical institute in Pennsylvania. Nearly 95 percent of its students are enrolled in either bachelor or associate degree programs. The school’s most popular majors include pre-nursing, building construction, network specialist, and automotive technology.

Penn College offers small classes that average 18 students each. There are eight academic schools, including Business and Computer Technologies, Natural Resources Management, Transportation Technology, Hospitality, and more. Degree programs stress hands-on learning and practical training, teaching skills like drafting and CAD technology, welding, baking and pastry arts, horticulture technology, and dozens more. These skills translate directly into the workplace, and students are expected enter their new careers with a solid technical foundation and thorough understanding of relevant technology and techniques.

The library offers over 130,000 bound volumes as well as multi-media resources, periodicals, online journals and e-books. There are also a number of education resources and guides, like APA formatting handbooks, that are available online and in print to help students in their academic work.

Students have access to a number of resources that will help them plan their careers. Counselors are available for job placement assistance, mock interviews, resume-writing help, and general guidance. Students can also visit job fairs and recruiting sessions right on campus.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Unique Programs

The Outreach for K-12 program lets local high school students participate in dual enrollment through Penn College NOW. High school students can take college-level classes during their regular school day at an extremely reduced tuition price, earning their high school diploma and college-level recognition at the same time.

Admissions

Penn College accepts applications year-round on a rolling basis. Students can apply online and keep track of their application status through the Student Information System, which can be accessed through the Admissions Office website.

First-time students who are seeking a degree program must apply by July 1st by completing the Degree Application and submitting a non-refundable $50 application fee either online or by check. Students should also provide proof of a high school diploma or the equivalent, in addition to any relevant official transcripts and SAT or SAT II scores.

Students interested in an associate degree or a certificate program are not required to take the SAT or submit test scores.

Financial Aid

Four out of five students at Penn College receive some form of financial aid. The first step in applying for financial aid is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which is available online at www.fafsa.gov. This form determines eligibility for need-based federal aid in the form of grants, loans, and work-study programs. The FAFSA is also a required supplementary component for many third-party aid applications and scholarship competitions.

Penn College offers dozens of scholarships to its general student population and to students enrolled in various departments and special programs. Students can access the full listing of Penn College scholarship opportunities online, as well as the general scholarship application form. Prospective applicants should have at least a 2.5 GPA and be sure to apply for scholarships that meet their academic goals and demonstrated abilities.

The Financial Aid office also has resources and materials to help students seek aid from outside sources and private donors. Talk to a Financial Aid Advisor for more information.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 259th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Pennsylvania.

Students

Students at Penn College can participate in the more than 50 student clubs and organizations on campus. Groups range from the Ski and Snowboard Club to the Physician Assistant Club, the Penn College Legal Society, and more. There are also opportunities to get involved in Greek life, with one sorority and four fraternity chapters available.

The Community Arts center hosts movies and live events, including student concerts and plays. The Student Activities Office plans a variety of events for student enjoyment throughout the school year, including a comedy series, lectures, music, and more. As of 2010, the Community Arts Center had welcomed over one million patrons since opening in 1993.

More than 55 percent of students enjoy living on campus, which puts them right in the middle of College activities and socialization. The housing application should be completed early, because residency spots are limited. Stay up to date with relevant application deadlines, as well as campus events and activities, by checking the different calendars available online.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

Penn College participates in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association and the Penn State University Athletic Conference. The Wildcats have varsity teams in 15 different sports, including soccer, cross country, basketball, tennis, wrestling, and archery. Recent achievements include winning two championships and earning the Chancellor’s Cup in the Penn State University Athletic Conference for the second year in a row in the 2009-10 season.

Local Community

Williamsport, Pennsylvania, is home to three colleges: Penn College, Lycoming College, and the Newport Business Institute. These institutions have collaborated with town leaders to create a unique, integrated community catered to college students.

The College Town website offers fast links to local entertainment, dining, activities, shopping, and more. Students will enjoy seeing movies at the Cinema Center or local performances at the Community Theater League or Community Arts Center. Local clubs and nightlife include the Bullfrog, the James Restaurant, and more that offer live music and dining.

Students and locals can stay active by heading to the GSC Dome, which is known for being the largest inflatable sports dome in the United States, or by exploring the local mountain biking trails and waterways.

The town also sponsors First Friday, which is when the community comes together on the first Friday of every month to appreciate local artists and artwork through public displays.

Students ride free on the local bus service, River Valley Transit, just by showing their student ID. They can also get student discounts at many local events by showing their ID.

Bibliography

College Town. Web. 03 Aug. 2011.

Pennsylvania College of Technology. Annual Report 2009-10. Print.

Pennsylvania College of Technology. Web. 03 Aug. 2011.

Pennsylvania College of Technology