The York campus was established in 1939 to provide technical education and to allow students to complete basic degree requirements in their home area before transferring to University Park to finish their program.

Today, Penn State York remains a suburban commuter-campus and occupies 51 acres (210,000 m2).

[2] The campus offers 12 baccalaureate degrees, 8 minors, 5 associate-level degrees, a Master of Education in Teaching and Curriculum, an English as a Second Language Program Specialist Certificate, a Directors Credential, and two 1-credit graduate level courses.

[3] Penn State–York teams participate as a member of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA).

The Nittany Lions are a member of the Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC).