Some fees waived for students at closing Penn State branches

By KELLEN STEPLER
TribLive

Students at the closing Penn State Commonwealth Campuses can take more classes than normal in their next three semesters and save some money while doing it.

With the New Kensington, Fayette, Shenango, Wilkes- Barre, DuBois, York and Mont Alto campuses scheduled to close after the Spring 2027 semester, students there can take up to 24 credits per semester without paying the tuition surcharge that normally applies when exceeding 19 credits, according to Penn State.

The overload tuition surcharge was approved by trustees in 2023. At the time, the per-credit surcharge for students taking more than 19 credits at Commonwealth Campuses ranged from $552 to $641 per credit. Officials at the time said the fee helped fund academic program investments.

The fee’s waiver comes amid ongoing plans to move academic programming at those campuses to Penn State branches that are remaining open.

“These waivers reflect our commitment to supporting students at the closing campuses and helping them stay on track toward earning their Penn State degrees,” said Renata Engel, vice president for Commonwealth Campuses and executive chancellor. “We will continue working on our students’ behalf to provide the guidance and resources they need through this time of transition.”

Penn State officials say the tuition surcharge waiver is intended to give students additional flexibility as they plan schedules in the upcoming semesters.

In addition, for the 2026-27 academic year, Penn State approved waiving student-initiated fees for students at the closing campuses. Student-initiated fees might apply to activities, services, facilities and recreation, such as on-campus programs, shows or events. Waiving those fees would result in a per-semester savings of $315 per student, according to Penn State.

Students would continue to have full access to activities, services and facilities normally covered under the fee.

Penn State officials say they also have asked students at closing campuses to complete a survey that would ultimately help toward degree completion and campus transition plans.

The university updated its guide for students at closing campuses, roadmap.psu. edu, which outlines procedures for taking classes at other campuses; requesting an early campus change; changing campuses when a major isn’t offered there; or returning to Penn State to re-enroll and finish a degree.