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Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania’s State Sys​tem of Higher Education (PASSHE) Chancellor Dan Greenstein will highlight the public university system’s s​tate funding request today during a Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearing. 

PASSHE is seeking an inflationary increase of 3.8% ($21 million), that combined with $112 million in new funding for targeted student support, mostly for financial aid, would enable the Board of Governors to consider freezing basic in-state undergraduate tuition. 

Despite labor shortages, many Pennsylvanians cannot afford the education to qualify for unfilled jobs. The $112 million would strategically increase financial aid and unlock the door of opportunity for many low- and middle-income students and prepare them for jobs with worker shortages.  

The Johnstown Tribune-Democrat covered PASSHE’s hearing last week with the House Appropriations Committee.  ​
Chancellor: Public universities could enact 5th straight tuition freeze with greater state support  
HARRISBURG — The chancellor of Pennsylvania’s publicly owned universities has a vision and a price tag for growing enrollment and graduating workers for industries facing labor crises, but it’s beyond what’s proposed in the budget plan of Gov. Josh Shapiro. 
 
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PSSHE) would receive $563.5 million in the next budget under the governor’s plan, a 2% increase totaling approximately $11 million. 
 
The system’s chancellor, Dr. Daniel Greenstein, seeks roughly $700 million — a $573 million appropriation from the state’s general fund plus an additional $112 million almost wholly envisioned for student aid.  
 
The funding request by the 10-university system would result in higher enrollment in priority academic areas identified by the Shapiro Administration like nursing, teaching and social services, Greenstein said. And, he said it would ultimately direct more skilled workers into those labor markets of need. 

PASSHE Highlights: ​
  • PASSHE universities offer the most affordable four-year higher education option for Pennsylvania students. 
  • Basic in-state undergraduate tuition has been $7,716 for five consecutive years, saving students more than $80 million.  
  • Students receive $110 million in financial aid from university funds. 
  • Cost efficiencies have saved more than $300 million. 
  • Pennsylvania is 47th in the nation for state funding per student in four-year public universities. 

Visit the Advocacy Research Center for information about the State System’s budget request to address labor shortages.
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