Jim Cramer, star of CNBC's Mad Money, said he likes to travel around the country to talk to college students like competent adults rather than "chain-smoking bozos."

Cramer, who visited Penn State yesterday for a taping of his show, said in an interview before the event that although his show is seen as entertainment, he also hopes he can teach young people about the economy.

"My job is not just to entertain you but to educate you," he said to the audience.

His visit, which was sponsored by the Smeal College of Business, was a part of his "Back to School Tour," which he started in 2006 to bring his unique form of education to college students. The show aired on CNBC last night at 6 and 11 p.m.

The audience mixed "We Are's" with "Booyahs" as Cramer appeared on stage in the beginning of the show, shaking hands with Penn State cheerleaders and the Nittany Lion as Zombie Nation played in the background.

CEO of U.S. Steel John Surma, Class of 1976, was Cramer's "Mad Money" guest. Surma is also a member of the Smeal College of Business's Board of Visitors. Cramer called Surma a "true hero."

During the show, Cramer told audience members how the balance between entertainment and education is delicate.

"It's very difficult to not be an actor," he said.

Beau Berman (senior-international studies) asked Cramer if aluminum could replace steel during the show's taping.

"I've already gotten calls from people telling me they saw me on television," Berman said. "It's something I'll probably never forget."

Students also got a behind-the-scenes look at the show.

"It was cool to see what he does during commercial breaks," Maha Shama (sophomore-accounting) said.

To keep the environment exciting during commercials, the Nittany Lion did pushups, and Mad Money memorabilia was thrown into the crowd.

Max Ettore (sophomore-international politics) embraced the sporting event atmosphere by painting his face red and yellow, the Mad Money colors.

Ettore said he wanted to use blue and white, but his brother convinced him to use the Mad Money colors instead.

Cramer said in an interview before the show that he is "fed up" with what he sees as a culture that discourages free thought and speech.

"TV's stupid. You know why it's stupid? Because the programmers think you're stupid," he said. "I think everything says you can't speak your mind."