close

State universities request additional funding

By Katherine Mansfield staff Writer mansfield@observer-Reporter.Com 2 min read
article image -

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) Board of Governors voted to request a state funding increase for the 2024-25 school year that will allow tuition at public, state-owned universities to remain the same for the sixth consecutive year.

The board requested $623.7 million for the 2024-25 fiscal year to combat rising inflation and improve academic programming, course sharing, student health and wellness supports and holistic advising. PennWest California is part of the state system.

The funding request is a 6.5% (or $38.1 million) increase over current state allocations to PASSHE. The state has allocated a total of $64.7 million over the last seven years to PASSHE to keep costs down while helping students earn degrees at an affordable price.

“State system universities provide the best return on investment for the state by preparing students for in-demand careers at the lowest price,” Dan Greenstein, PASSHE chancellor, said in a news release. “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.”

The PASSHE system includes more than 80,000 students, about 90% of whom are from Pennsylvania, and serves more in-state students than any other Pennsylvania college or university. On average, a new, in-state student living on campus will pay about $22,828 for the 2023-24 school year at one of PASSHE’s colleges or universities.

“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,” Cynthia Shapira, chair of the PASSHE board of governors, said in a news release.

CUSTOMER LOGIN

If you have an account and are registered for online access, sign in with your email address and password below.

NEW CUSTOMERS/UNREGISTERED ACCOUNTS

Never been a subscriber and want to subscribe, click the Subscribe button below.

Starting at $3.75/week.

Subscribe Today