State College Logistics & Reference Data
Essential information for residents, businesses, and travelers to Centre County, Pennsylvania.
State College Zip Codes
State College uses three primary postal codes covering different geographic areas of the borough and surrounding community.
| Zip Code | Coverage Area | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16801 | Downtown State College, South Hills, Boalsburg | Standard | Primary residential/commercial |
| 16803 | Park Forest, North Atherton, Toftrees | Standard | Northern suburbs |
| 16802 | University Park Campus | Unique | University-exclusive zip code |
Note: Surrounding areas like Bellefonte (16823), Lemont (16851), and Port Matilda (16870) have their own zip codes but are part of the greater State College area.
State College Area Codes: 814 & 582
Current Status: State College and the greater Centre County region are served by the original 814 area code and the 582 overlay.
Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing
Because of the 582 overlay, 10-digit dialing is mandatory for all local calls. You must dial the area code (814 or 582) followed by the 7-digit phone number, even when calling a neighbor across the street.
This change was implemented to ensure a steady supply of phone numbers for the growing Happy Valley population without changing existing 814 numbers.
Government & Administration
County: Centre County, Pennsylvania
Government Type: Home Rule Borough
Incorporated: August 29, 1896
Geographic Facts
- Total Area: 4.53 square miles
- Population Density: ~9,000 per sq mi
- Surrounded by: College Township, Ferguson Township, Patton Township
University Park vs. State College Borough
While often used interchangeably, there is a technical postal difference for logistics:
- University Park (16802): The official designation for the central campus area. Mail addressed here must use 'University Park, PA 16802'.
- State College (16801, 16803): The designation for the borough municipality and surrounding residential/commercial neighborhoods.
Both locations are contiguous and located entirely within Centre County.
Transportation & Access
Airport
University Park Airport (SCE)
Located 4 miles southwest of downtown
Daily flights to major hubs
Bus Service
CATA Bus System
Free local bus service throughout the area
Greyhound/Megabus: 152 N Atherton St terminal
Major Roads
I-99: North-south interstate
US-322: East-west highway
US-26: North route to I-80
Train Service Information
Is there a train station in State College PA?
No. State College does not have a direct Amtrak train station. While there is an Amtrak bus stop at 152 N Atherton Street, the nearest physical train stations are located in surrounding towns.
| Station | Distance | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Lewistown, PA (LEW) | 30 miles south | Amtrak Pennsylvanian |
| Tyrone, PA (TYR) | 35 miles northeast | Amtrak Pennsylvanian |
| Huntingdon, PA (HGD) | 45 miles south | Amtrak Pennsylvanian |
University Park PA vs. State College
A common logistics confusion is the distinction between University Park PA and the State College Borough.
- University Park: The official postal designation for the campus grounds (Zip Code: 16802).
- State College: The surrounding municipality and residential areas (Zip Codes: 16801, 16803).
Both areas are located within Centre County and share a contiguous border, but they maintain separate administrative and mailing identities.
Nearby Communities
| Town | Distance | Zip Code | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bellefonte | 12 mi N | 16823 | County seat, Victorian architecture |
| Boalsburg | 4 mi E | 16827 | Historic village, military museum |
| Philipsburg | 28 mi N | 16866 | Cold Stream Dam, recreation |
| Lemont | 6 mi E | 16851 | Tussey Mountain access |
Quick Reference Guide
Primary Zip
16801
Area Codes
814 & 582
County Seat
Bellefonte
Time Zone
EST/EDT