Common Ground
The symbiotic relationship between Penn State and Pennsylvania College of Technology was front and center, as the new presidents of both institutions underscored their shared mission during a visit in Williamsport.
The Penn State Connection
As a special mission affiliate, Penn College serves a vital role in the Penn State system—offering technology-driven hands-on education and workforce development.
United in Mission
As a land-grant institution, Penn State has several responsibilities. Chief among them is facilitating economic development within the state of Pennsylvania. Our mission to prepare the next generation of technically skilled professionals perfectly aligns with this commitment. While the two institutions are connected in mission, there are many ways in which Penn College operates distinctly.
Degrees
Penn College maintains its own academic curriculum, separate from Penn State. The College grants degrees carrying the Pennsylvania College of Technology name and reputation that our active, hands-on approach to learning provides.
Leadership
Penn College is led by our own president who is appointed by our College’s Board of Directors, which is separate and distinct from the Board of Trustees of Penn State.
Accreditations
Penn College is accredited separately from Penn State. Visit the link below to explore the College's most recent Middle States Commission on Higher Education reaffirmation of accreditation.
TAKING THE LEAD
A Symbiotic Relationship
You have the power to spark positive change.
Join the Mission
Penn College is proud to partner with Advocate Penn State to form a group of like-minded activists committed to building the best possible future for our graduates and the industries they go on to lead.
As a special mission affiliate of Penn State, Penn College receives its state funding through the same piece of legislation as Penn State. Thus, the collaborative efforts of both institutions will further our collective goal—to make education as affordable as possible for our students.
Your Penn College connection perfectly positions you to become an agent of change. Your voice matters. Your experiences matter.
Fill out the form below to become an advocate and help us educate and engage elected officials at various levels of government.
Facts & Figures
At a Glance
Below are additional ways in which Penn College operates as an independent affiliate of Penn State.
Debt
Penn College is responsible for its own debt service, separate from the University.
Standard & Poor's Rating
Penn College maintains an S&P 'A' credit rating with a stable outlook.
EIN & 501(C)(3) Status
Penn College has its own Federal Identification Number and maintains its own tax-exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service.
Legal Counsel
Penn College is represented by legal counsel independent from the University.
Clery Act & IPEDS Report
Penn College submits its own data to the U.S. Department of Education for compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. The College also submits its own IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) information to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Police
Penn College maintains a police force of certified officers (separate from the University’s) who ensure the health, safety, and welfare of students, faculty, staff, and visitors while securing the main campus, additional campuses, and all College-owned facilities.
Faculty Senate
Penn College is not governed by the University Faculty Senate, the representative body of Penn State’s faculty that has legislative authority on all matters pertaining to the educational interests of the University. Penn College does, however, maintain an Internal Governance system – a body of faculty, staff, and students (elected, appointed, and volunteer) who help make decisions directly affecting life at the College.
Faculty Collective Bargaining Unit
The Penn College Education Association (PCEA) represents nearly 300 full-time teaching faculty, librarians, and counselors on campus. The PCEA Agreement with the College, which took effect in Fall 2018, runs through the 2022-23 academic year. There are no other collective bargaining units at the College.
Faculty Promotion & Tenure
Faculty members at Penn College are eligible for non-probationary status. They may apply for promotions in rank, based on various academic criteria. When granted, such promotions generate no increase in compensation or benefits.
Benefits
Employees of Penn College receive benefits distinct from employees of the University.
Academic Calendar
Penn College follows its own academic calendar, independent of the University calendar.
Capital Money
Penn College receives no capital funding from the University or the state.