What is the 2+2 Plan?

2+2 is a great way to start almost any of Penn State’s 275-plus degree programs! Spend your first two years at our Lehigh Valley campus, then transition to another Penn State location offering your degree. More than 50% of your fellow Penn Staters choose the 2+2 plan, and regardless of which campus you select, you’ll complete both general education and major-required courses toward your degree.

More Benefits!

2+2 allows you to stay close to or live at home, helping you save on housing. Plus, enjoy lower tuition and fees – and free parking!

With small class sizes and a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1, you’ll enjoy personal attention and easy access to all Penn State resources and events, including:

  • Alumni Network

  • Athletic Events

  • Career Fairs

  • Concerts

  • Cultural Festivals

  • THON

The 2+2 process

Once you enroll at your starting campus, you do not need to reapply to your finishing campus. Your personal academic advisor will work with you to stay on track to meet course requirements and help you complete your change of campus process to transition to your new location, which is generally at the end of your fourth semester. (Requirements are consistent across all of our Penn State campuses.)

Learn how the 2+2 Plan guides you from application to graduation, with support at every step.

1. Apply to Penn State

When completing your application, choose from our twenty campuses and select a first-choice and an alternate campus.

If you’re enrolling in the 2+2 Plan, there’s no need to reapply when transitioning to your second campus. This streamlined process makes it easy to start at one campus and move seamlessly to another as you progress in your studies.

2. Enroll at your starting campus

Start your journey by completing general education and major prerequisite courses at your initial campus.

During your first two years, you'll have access to a wide range of opportunities, including student clubs, organizations, and intramural sports, all while learning from expert faculty. This experience will help you build a strong foundation and make the most of your time as a Penn Stater.

3. Work with your academic advisers

In the second semester of your sophomore year, you'll collaborate with your academic adviser to begin the campus transfer process.

Your adviser will guide you to ensure you're meeting the entrance requirements for your chosen program, as detailed in the Undergraduate Bulletin. This support helps you stay on track and smoothly transition to your next campus.

4. Explore the Undergraduate Bulletin

At Penn State, you’ll officially enter your major during your junior year.

To stay on track, review the entrance to major requirements in the Undergraduate Bulletin. By meeting the entrance to major requirements, you’ll transition smoothly into your chosen field of study. These requirements are consistent, whether you start at the University Park campus or another undergraduate campus.

5. Transition to your new campus

You’ll start your junior year at your new campus, continuing your Penn State journey as you work toward graduation.

As you approach the finish line, you'll earn your diploma and join the world’s largest alumni network, marking the beginning of your distinguished status as a Penn State graduate.