My DD wants to study computer science at a mid-sized school and is looking at these two schools. She has the grades/scores to easily get into either school and upon graduating will likely live in the Baltimore/Washington DC area.
The faculty at Harrisburg seems more impressive than TCNJ but TCNJ clearly has the better reputation overall according to college ranking publications.
We looked at both schools and she likes the facilities and dorms at Harrisburg and that location is good for us. Also likes the Penn State name without going to the larger campus. But I’m concerned that it’s largely a commuter school and don’t know what the social scene will be like there. She has a car and Harrisburg is only ten minutes away. Not sure what else is around. Nothing is closeby at TCNJ either although Philly isn’t too far.
Does anyone have first hand experience at PSUH and/or have any advice for us?
Interesting article 50% of students incoming last year at Harrisburg are out of state or international students. The school is changing and expanding housing on campus
Please be very, very careful in assuming your D could easily get into TCNJ with her grades/scores because TCNJ admits by major.
When my D was applying to college two admission cycles ago, I read a lot of TCNJ threads. I remember computer science was an extremely difficult admit. Students with extremely high SAT scores, much higher than the school’s average SAT, who applied to computer science did not get in. The same thing happened to a friend’s kid for biology.
If you ever decide TCNJ is the college your D is set on for computer science, consider applying EA.
Wow, I had no idea - thank you! This is my first time on this forum/website - such an amazing resource. Thanks again 
TCNJ is a much better college overall. If you can afford it, do apply.
A great mid sized college for CS is Marist (1h30 from NYC) - they have a partnership with IBM. Run the NPC to see if it’s be within budget.
She could also consider Lafayette.
She can apply to Harrisburg right away (even to their Schreyer Honors college) and hear back quickly.
PSU Harrisburg is more residential than it used to be and one of the ‘true’ 4year college branches with Erie and Altoona but it’s still not quite the same as TCNJ, University Park, or other colleges.
Erie has a better reputation for STEM.
In NJ, Rowan has an excellent reputation for STEM and good scholarships (TCNJ is very stingy with scholarships).
Very good to know, thanks!
TCNJ is by far the best program for STEM and overall reputation and requirements. Its also one of the most beautiful campuses . They have a newly built 80mm STEM building among much else to offer. But competitive admissions process. Helps to be OOS.