In 1987 Penn State York opened a continuing education office in Lancaster, with the mission of providing credit and noncredit courses and programs to the Lancaster community. Penn State, The Lancaster Center continues to follow this mission, looking always to meet the needs of the community, working adults, and traditional and dually enrolled high school students. Public courses are offered as well as on-site programs at company locations in both credit and noncredit customized training to meet the needs of business.

In an effort to meet the evolving educational needs of the Lancaster County community, a partnership at The Lancaster Center between Penn State York, Harrisburg, and Great Valley bring the best of Penn State to the community. Earn a bachelor of science in business degree at Penn State York, with the beginning classes offered in Lancaster. Upper division classes continue to be added for credit students interested in this four-year degree.

Through a partnership with Penn State Great Valley's Graduate Center, students can take graduate courses in the Principal Certification Program and also graduate engineering course work at The Lancaster Center.

By partnering with Penn State Harrisburg, The Lancaster Center offers courses for the Training and Development Credit Certificate Program. The Penn State Harrisburg Master of Business Administration (MBA) program is also offered at The Lancaster Center.