Pennsylvania's public universities are facing a challenging future, with no increase in state funding and a tough enrollment outlook. This comes after a period of three years with state funding increases, including a historic 15.7% boost in 2023-24.
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), which includes 10 state-owned public universities, received flat funding this year, a first since 2021-22. Despite this, Cheyney University, part of the system, received a special $5 million earmark to develop a transfer and workforce initiative in partnership with the Community College of Philadelphia. This initiative aims to create a seamless transfer process for students, allowing them to earn bachelor's degrees while remaining on the CCP campus.
But here's where it gets controversial... The system had requested a 6.5% increase in its general appropriation, which would have brought in an additional $40 million. However, with a funding freeze, the system had to increase tuition for the first time in seven years, generating an extra $25 million.
Christopher Fiorentino, the chancellor of the system, acknowledged the difficult situation, stating, "We knew it was going to be tough given the revenue situation." He expressed gratitude for the system's appropriation, emphasizing the significance of the funding for public higher education.
The system is now planning for a potential enrollment drop, as the population of high school graduates is expected to decline. Fiorentino noted, "The demographics are unfavorable, so we must prepare for enrollment declines even if we maintain our market share."
To address this, the system is exploring new recruitment strategies, targeting students with some college credits but no degree, and offering more weekend, night, and online courses. Additionally, the system is considering partnerships with doctoral institutions like Temple University to bring in doctoral students as faculty, saving costs while identifying potential talent.
And this is the part most people miss... The system is reevaluating its programs, with 95% of students graduating from half of the programs offered. Fiorentino highlighted the larger enrollments in business, education, health, and engineering. However, only 5% of students are enrolled in the other half of the programs, prompting the question: How can the system ensure it supports critical programs for the state's success?
Kenneth M. Mash, president of the faculty union, expressed concerns about eliminating programs with lower enrollments, emphasizing the need to provide a broad spectrum of opportunities for students. He also highlighted the potential of bringing in doctoral students as a viable stream of quality candidates.
Fiorentino welcomed the additional funding for Cheyney University, which has seen an increase in enrollment this year, with the highest percentage increase in the system. He noted that the new initiative will benefit Philadelphia students, as transportation to the rural campus has become increasingly difficult.
Temple University and Penn State also received flat funding this year, with Temple expressing gratitude for the budget's passage and ongoing financial support to reduce tuition costs for Pennsylvania residents.
