Tuition hike OK’d for state-owned universities

The hike comes after seven consecutive years of frozen tuition.

By KELLEN STEPLER
TribLive

Tuition for state universities is set to increase by 3.6% for students this fall, but that figure could decrease if state funding increases, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education said Thursday.

In-state undergraduate tuition for this academic year will increase by $139 per semester, to $3,997 per semester, according to PASSHE. Full-year tuition will increase by $278 to $7,994.

PASSHE is requesting a 6.5% increase in state funding to maintain flat tuition. If that’s provided, the system said, it would roll back part or all of the increase.

PASSHE said in a statement that setting tuition now, with the option to revisit it later, “gives clarity to students who will start the semester next month and provides flexibility to state leaders as their budget negotiations continue.”

“Every dollar counts for our students. If the state provides the funding we’ve requested, PASSHE can roll back tuition to help students with other essential expenses,” said Cynthia Shapira, chair of the PASSHE Board of Governors.

“We hope this action gives those involved in state budget negotiations the time and flexibility they need to secure as much as possible for our students while allowing students and our universities to prepare for the fall semester.”

The hike comes after seven consecutive years of frozen tuition. A freshman last year paid the same tuition that was in place when they were in seventh grade. Had tuition kept pace with inflation, that student would have paid nearly 28% more, according to PASSHE.

“PASSHE has made progress stabilizing its finances, in part due to increased state funding in recent years,” the statement said. “Continued improvement requires resources, especially with enrollment challenges across higher education. This tuition plan balances student affordability with the long-term financial health of the university system.”

Universities in the state system include Cheyney; Commonwealth University — Bloomsburg, Lock Haven and Mansfield; East Stroudsburg; Indiana University of Pennsylvania; Kutztown; Millersville; PennWest — California, Clarion and Edinboro; Shippensburg; Slippery Rock; and West Chester.

Nearly 90% of students in the system are state residents, and 80% attend full time.

The PASSHE board determines in-state undergraduate tuition rates. Each university establishes its own graduate and out-of-state undergraduate tuition rates, along with student room, board and mandatory fees.