Pennsylvania State University has introduced residency halls to its Abington and Media campuses for the first time, writes Susan Snyder for Philly.com.

Two weeks ago, the school opened a $50 million, five-story apartment-style complex which can house 400 students, a mile from its Abington campus. It was approved by the university’s board of trustees two years ago as a way to stay competitive in the tightening higher-education market in Philadelphia.

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Earlier this month, Penn State also opened a 250 student residence hall in Media. The $31 million building at its Brandywine campus is alongside the nearly $20 million student union building with dining hall.

The campuses are drawing in a growing number of applicants from around the country and internationally, making the residency halls essential. The Abington residency hall is already almost at capacity, while Brandywine’s is currently at 93 percent.

“It’s an area of growth for us,” said Penn State president, Eric Barron. “A lot of Philadelphia residents want to come to Penn State and they would like to have that first experience in Philadelphia.”

Read more about Penn State’s new residency halls at Philly.com by clicking here.

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