PA State Universities Announce Free-Tuition Pledge For Lower-Income Students

In-state undergraduate tuition at Pennsylvania’s state universities will rise by $172 per semester, but officials announced a new “last-dollar” scholarship program designed to entirely cover the remaining tuition gap for lower-income students.

Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) Board of Governors voted unanimously Thursday to support the “PASSHE Pledge.”

Set to launch in fall 2027, the program will cover any remaining tuition costs for in-state undergraduate students who qualify for both a federal Pell Grant and a PA State Grant.

The 10 PASSHE institutions are: Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, Millersville University of Pennsylvania, PennWest University, Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, and West Chester University of Pennsylvania.

As part of the new program, eligible students across the system’s 10 universities will pay nothing out of pocket for tuition once federal, state, and institutional financial aid are applied. The pledge does not cover fees, books, housing, or meals.

“With the launch of the PASSHE Pledge, we stand together as a state system of 10 great universities to eliminate a financial barrier to baccalaureate degrees and high-quality jobs for many hardworking students,” said Cynthia Shapira, chair of the PASSHE Board of Governors.

The policy change comes alongside an increase to base tuition.

In-state undergraduate tuition will rise to $4,169 per semester, or $8,338 for a full academic year.

PASSHE officials said that the increase could be rolled back if state lawmakers approve higher funding levels in the state budget, which is nearly two weeks late.

Even with the $172 per semester increase, the rate remains the lowest university tuition in Pennsylvania, PASSHE noted in a press release.

The system had previously frozen in-state undergraduate tuition from 2018 to 2024.

PASSHE officials stated next year’s tuition will still be 18% lower than if rates had risen with inflation since 2018, representing a savings of nearly $1,800 annually for students.

The Board of Governors is responsible for setting in-state undergraduate tuition rates, while individual university presidents set graduate and out-of-state tuition, as well as mandatory fees, room, and board.

“Many students have jobs and work long hours while taking classes so they can afford college,” said Ali Sina Sharifi, a Shippensburg University student and member of the PASSHE Board of Governors. “By covering remaining tuition costs for eligible students, the PASSHE Pledge can help more students focus on their courses, continue their education and prepare for their futures.”

University presidents will work alongside PASSHE Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino to finalize individual campus plans over the coming months, with more details expected to be shared in a few months. Some universities within the system already operate programs that meet components of the pledge, which will serve to inform the systemwide rollout.

Fiorentino stated that the system will seek external financial support from donors to assist with the scholarship initiative.

“The PASSHE Pledge is designed to close that gap for eligible students so more Pennsylvanians can start college, stay on track and earn a degree,” Fiorentino said.

The system currently enrolls approximately 83,000 students, with roughly 90% being Pennsylvania residents. The system graduates nearly 20,000 students each year.

According to data provided by the system, PASSHE graduates earn approximately 65% more over their careers than Pennsylvanians holding only a high school diploma, amounting to nearly $1 million in additional lifetime earnings.

“Each student who has the opportunity to learn, build skills and graduate helps strengthen Pennsylvania’s workforce,” Fiorentino said. “This initiative is about opening doors for students and helping Pennsylvania prepare more graduates for the careers that support our communities and economy.”