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Pennsylvania Graduates 21,000 Students Amid Funding Increases

Graduates from Pennsylvania's college system celebrate their achievements.

News Summary

Pennsylvania’s college system has graduated 21,000 students this year, highlighting the efforts of PASSHE. With 70% in critical fields and increased funding requests, the state aims to address workforce shortages and improve tuition affordability. New scholarship programs are set to support in-state and out-of-state students, promoting retention in Pennsylvania. The initiatives reflect a comprehensive strategy to align education with workforce needs and boost the state’s economy.

Pennsylvania Graduates 21,000 Students Amid Increased Funding Calls

Pennsylvania’s college system has achieved a significant milestone, graduating 21,000 students during the most recent academic year. This accomplishment underscores the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), which comprises 10 universities and serves around 82,000 students. Notably, approximately 90% of these graduates plan to remain in the state, a crucial factor as Pennsylvania grapples with a demographic crisis and strives to attract college graduates to settle and establish families within its borders.

Employment and Economic Significance

The Chancellor of PASSHE has pointed out that these graduates are equipped to fill key roles in sectors that are currently facing severe talent shortages, including healthcare, education, law enforcement, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Approximately 70% of this year’s graduates have earned degrees in these critical areas, indicating a strong alignment with market demands.

Tuition Affordability Measures

PASSHE has made affordability a priority, implementing seven tuition freezes since 2018, leading to a current tuition rate of $7,716 per semester. This figure is significantly lower than both the statewide average and the national average of $15,900. To maintain this affordability, PASSHE officials are seeking an additional $40.3 million in state funding, which aligns with the budget request from Governor Josh Shapiro.

Future Support for Students

To further incentivize students towards in-demand career pathways, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency is launching two new scholarship programs with a total funding allocation of $25 million. One program is designed to grant in-state students up to $5,000 in scholarships annually, effective this academic year, while the other will cover any tuition discrepancies for out-of-state students. Applications for the in-state scholarships are projected to open no earlier than September 15, with initial recipients of out-of-state scholarships expected by the 2025-26 school year. However, students must commit to living and working in Pennsylvania for one year for every year they receive funding, or risk converting the scholarships into loans.

Addressing Workforce Needs

The newly established Pennsylvania Higher Education Performance-Based Funding Council is tasked with developing funding processes for state-affiliated universities, ensuring that they meet the workforce’s needs effectively. The approved state budget outlines a direct funding increase of $35.1 million (representing a 6% rise) for state-affiliated institutions, alongside $85 million in supplemental funding to support specific school debts, particularly benefiting Lincoln University and other state-affiliated institutions.

Long-term Educational Goals

This new higher education board aims to enhance access, quality, affordability, and accountability in Pennsylvania’s educational system by July 1, 2026. It will also initiate the development of a database to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of strategies addressing educational and workforce outcomes on an annual basis. This strategic direction reflects a comprehensive effort to align educational attainment with the evolving needs of Pennsylvania’s economy and labor market.

The graduation of 21,000 students represents a vital step forward in addressing the state’s economic and workforce challenges, while the initiatives outlined in the recent budget signal a commitment to cultivating a strong, skilled workforce that will foster population growth and community sustainability.