(WHTM) — The Board of Governors for Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) unanimously voted to freeze tuition for in-state undergraduate students for the upcoming academic year.
The 2024-25 school year marks the seventh consecutive year the tuition rate will stay the same at all ten universities.
According to PASSHE, repeated tuition freezes save students nearly 25% in tuition costs compared to the price if tuition had risen at the inflation rate for the last six years.
"PASSHE is proud to keep tuition frozen for a seventh consecutive year, and we thank the governor and the legislature for their increased investment which helps make this tuition freeze possible," said Board Chair Cynthia Shapira.
"State funding is a lifeline for our students to afford college, and freezing tuition for another year was a top priority for PASSHE as we continue to transform the State System for the future, support opportunities for more people to get a valuable education, and prepare graduates to fill shortages throughout the workforce and serve their communities."
PASSHE said an additional $35.1 million, or 6% of the state budget and legislature signed by Governor Shapiro, is being invested in PASSHE universities.
"PASSHE appreciates the governor and legislature for their strong support of our students and this investment in the State System," said Chancellor Dan Greenstein. "Keeping tuition frozen for a seventh consecutive year will help more students get a college education and deliver on PASSHE's mission to provide a quality higher education at the lowest cost to students."
The Board of Governors only sets in-state tuition for undergraduate students at PASSHE universities. Universities set full tuition for Graduate students and out-of-state undergraduates.
“PASSHE has experienced the benefits of working together within our system, and we believe a greater level of collaboration among all of higher education will be good for Pennsylvania,” Greenstein added. “The new State Board of Higher Education represents an opportunity for meaningful cooperation in a strategic manner to help colleges and universities better serve students, meet workforce development needs and support all communities."