MIDDLETOWN, Pa. – Penn State Harrisburg has earned recognition among the Top Public Schools in the North in the latest U.S. News & World Report “Best Colleges” rankings, reinforcing the college’s position as a leading college serving Pennsylvania’s Capital Region and beyond.
The college ranks in the top 50 among Public Schools in the North.
The recognition reflects Penn State Harrisburg’s broad profile, which combines undergraduate education with graduate and doctoral programs, research and innovation, and engagement with the region’s communities and industries.
“This recognition is a reflection of the college’s commitment to academic excellence, innovative research and strong connections to the communities and industries we partner with, all of which create an educational experience that prepares graduates to lead and contribute in a rapidly changing world,” Penn State Harrisburg Chancellor and Dean David Callejo Pérez said. “It speaks to the breadth of opportunities available to our students and to the distinctive way we bring education, research and real-world experience together. Our goal is not simply to prepare students for the careers of today, but to equip them with the knowledge, creativity and adaptability to shape what comes next.”
The college’s undergraduate engineering programs rank No. 106 nationally among institutions where a doctorate is not offered, according to U.S. News & World Report. The ranking provides additional recognition of Penn State Harrisburg’s strength in engineering and technology education.
Engineering is one component of a growing academic and research ecosystem at Penn State Harrisburg that also includes computing, artificial intelligence, human-centered design and health-related innovation.
The college’s engineering and computing strengths are increasingly connected to emerging areas of research and innovation. Penn State Harrisburg is expanding collaborations that connect engineering, computing, human-centered design and biomedical applications with broader Penn State research and health-related expertise.
“This recognition is particularly meaningful as we continue to build on our strengths in artificial intelligence, engineering, computing and interdisciplinary research,” said Callejo Pérez. “Our students are preparing for careers in fields that are transforming our economy and our communities, and our faculty are creating opportunities for students to engage with those challenges through research, innovation and experiential learning.”
Penn State Harrisburg also advanced 10 spots among Regional Universities North. U.S. News & World Report also ranked the college No. 262 nationally for business programs and No. 276 nationally for computer science out of over 500 universities offering those programs further reflecting the breadth of the college’s academic offerings.
As Penn State Harrisburg continues to grow its research expenditures year after year and solidify its position as a regional comprehensive research university and destination campus, this U.S. News recognition adds to the college’s distinction.
“Being recognized among the top public schools in the North is an important reflection of where Penn State Harrisburg is today, as well as where we are headed,” said Callejo Pérez. “We continue to build on the strong foundation we began six decades ago, while expanding opportunities in high-demand fields, strengthening research and innovation, and deepening our role as a destination for education and discovery in the Capital Region.”
For more information about Penn State Harrisburg’s academic programs, research and student opportunities, visit harrisburg.psu.edu.