19 October 2023- Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) is seeking a state funding increase for 2024-25 that would enable the Board of Governors to freeze tuition for a sixth consecutive year at all state-owned public universities as the System seeks to scale up innovations that keep costs down for students and help them make progress toward a degree.
The PASSHE Board of Governors unanimously voted on Oct. 19 to request a state appropriation of $623.7 million—an increase of $38.1 million (or 6.5%)—for the 2024-25 fiscal year. The investment would help to address rising inflation and other costs while supporting the system’s commitment to enhance student success through efforts such as academic program and course sharing, holistic advising, student health and wellness supports, and enabling students to secure valuable credentials along the way to earning their degree.
“The State System has kept tuition the same for six years thanks to increased investments from the General Assembly and governor, and we are thankful for that support. This funding request delivers a clear message that student affordability remains a Board of Governors priority,” said Cynthia Shapira, chair of the PASSHE Board of Governors. “State support is a critical investment in Pennsylvania’s future. The funding would enable us to freeze tuition again so students can focus on preparing for in-demand jobs and enable the State System to expand innovations that better serve students and meet workforce needs.”
With more than 80,000 students across the system, PASSHE universities serve more Pennsylvanians than any other college or university in the state.
“We are extremely proud that our partnership with the state is delivering results for thousands of students and for the commonwealth,” said PASSHE Chancellor Dan Greenstein. “What students and employers need from universities is changing with remarkable speed, and I’m proud of the innovations and strategies our universities are pursuing to meet those needs. Continued state investment in our state-owned universities is making a real difference.”
“State System universities provide the best return on investment for the state by preparing students for in-demand careers at the lowest price,” said Greenstein. “Many of our students come from low- and middle-income families, and they depend on PASSHE universities. What’s more, the future of Pennsylvania’s workforce depends on more of these students having the opportunity to get a comprehensive education and specific skills necessary for good jobs and long careers in the state.”
