State issues tuition freeze for in-state undergrad universities

On July 17, the Board of Governors for Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) voted unanimously to freeze tuition for in-state undergraduate students for the 2024-25 academic year.

This is the seventh consecutive year the tuition rate will remain the same at all 10 state universities.

According to PASSHE, these continued tuition freezes save students nearly 25% in tuition costs compared to the price if tuition had risen at the inflation rate for the last six years.

“PASSHE is proud to keep tuition frozen for a seventh consecutive year, and we thank the governor and the legislature for their increased investment which helps make this tuition freeze possible,” said Chair Cynthia Shapira. “State funding is a lifeline for our students to afford college, and freezing tuition for another year was a top priority for PASSHE as we continue to transform the state system for the future, support opportunities for more people to get a valuable education and prepare graduates to fill shortages throughout the workforce and serve their communities.”

The recently passed state budget included an additional $35.1 million, or 6%, for PASSHE universities. The commonwealth has increased funding for PASSHE by 30% since 2021.

“PASSHE appreciates the governor and legislature for their strong support of our students and this investment in the state system,” said Chancellor Dan Greenstein. “Keeping tuition frozen for a seventh consecutive year will help more students get a college education and deliver on PASSHE’s mission to provide a quality higher education at the lowest cost to students.

“Pennsylvania’s workforce depends on the talented and well-educated graduates from PASSHE universities. Together with the state, we are making higher education more affordable and accessible, and strengthening the college-to-career pipeline of innovative thinkers and problem solvers, which benefits the students, their families and Pennsylvania’s economy.”

The Board of Governors sets the in-state undergraduate tuition rate for PASSHE universities. Each university sets tuition rates for graduate students and out-of-state undergraduates, as well as room, board, and mandatory fees for all students.

The 10 state-owned public universities include East Stroudsburg University (the closest to the Milford area), Kutztown University, West Chester University, Cheyney University, Commonwealth University (which includes the Bloomsburg, Lock Haven and Mansfield campuses), Millersville University, Shippensburg University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock University, and PennWest (which includes the Clarion, Edinboro, and California campuses).

PASSHE noted that these universities serve the most in-state students and at the lowest price of any other four-year college or university in Pennsylvania; nearly 90% of PASSHE’s 82,000 students are Pennsylvania residents, and PASSHE says many are from low- and middle-income families.

The Board also applauded the governor and legislators for establishing the State Board of Higher Education in the state Department of Education to provide more support and coordination among higher education institutions to meet Pennsylvania’s workforce needs.

“PASSHE has experienced the benefits of working together within our system, and we believe a greater level of collaboration among all of higher education will be good for Pennsylvania,” said Chancellor Greenstein. “The new State Board of Higher Education represents an opportunity for meaningful cooperation in a strategic manner to help colleges and universities better serve students, meet workforce development needs and support all communities.”