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Pennsylvania Graduates 21,000 Students in High-Demand Fields

Graduates from Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education celebrating their achievements.

News Summary

Approximately 21,000 students are set to graduate from the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education in the 2024-2025 academic year. With a significant number focusing on STEM, healthcare, business, and education, these graduates are entering the workforce during a crucial time. The initiative includes collaborations with employers to address labor market needs while maintaining affordable education through a tuition freeze.

Pennsylvania is set to graduate approximately 21,000 students from the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) during the 2024-2025 academic year. These graduates are entering the workforce at a critical time, with many degrees earned in high-demand fields desperately needing skilled professionals.

Graduates from PASSHE are primarily focused on careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), healthcare, business, education, and law enforcement, which together encompass nearly 70% of total graduates. This statistic highlights the system’s alignment with current market demands and workforce needs.

Job Market Needs

Among the graduates, over 2,100 individuals are earning degrees in STEM fields, an area predicted to see over 10% growth in demand by 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Additionally, more than 1,500 graduates will enter various healthcare-related positions, addressing urgent staffing shortages within hospitals and health facilities across the state.

Meanwhile, approximately 2,000 graduates are securing degrees in business, further fortifying Pennsylvania’s economic landscape. The education sector also benefits, with nearly 1,800 graduates poised to pursue careers in teaching to support the ongoing need for educators throughout the state.

Partnerships to Address Workforce Needs

The ten state-owned universities within PASSHE are actively collaborating with local employers to tailor academic programs that address specific workforce needs. This strategic partnership approach not only enhances academic offerings but also improves the employability of graduates.

Currently, PASSHE boasts an enrollment of over 82,000 students, with nearly 90% hailing from within Pennsylvania. The region’s focus on higher education aims to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of meeting the evolving demands of various industries.

Tuition Freeze and Financial Impact

PASSHE has maintained a consistent tuition rate of $7,716 per year since 2018, a decision that has significantly reduced costs for students. As a result, those attending PASSHE schools are saving about 25% in tuition compared to what it would cost if tuition had followed the rate of inflation. This financial stability helps students in planning their educational investments amid fluctuating enrollment numbers, which have recently faced challenges due to declining rates of high school graduates.

To sustain this tuition freeze, PASSHE is requesting a state appropriation of $661.1 million for the fiscal year 2025-2026. This funding is crucial to maintain affordable education and continue preparing graduates for vital roles in the Pennsylvania workforce.

Long-term Contributions to Local Communities

Many graduates from PASSHE choose to remain in Pennsylvania after completing their studies, playing vital roles in their local communities. These alumni not only fill positions in high-need sectors but also contribute positively to the state’s economy.

As Pennsylvania continues to evolve economically, the education provided by PASSHE will remain critical in developing the skilled workforce needed to bridge gaps in various industries and support community growth.