The PASSHE Pledge: Eliminating Out-of-Pocket Tuition Costs
Beginning Fall 2027, a new systemwide initiative will cover remaining tuition gaps for eligible in-state undergraduate students who receive both a federal Pell Grant and a PA State Grant. This last-dollar scholarship initiative ensures zero out-of-pocket tuition costs at Pennsylvania's 10 state universities.
What is the PASSHE Pledge?
- Dual-Grant Eligibility: Exclusive to PA residents receiving both Pell and PA State Grants.
- Zero Out-of-Pocket Tuition Costs: Eliminates all direct out-of-pocket tuition bills.
- Last-Dollar Funding: Fills the exact remaining tuition gap after other aid applies.
- Tuition-Specific Aid: Applies strictly to tuition; excludes fees, housing, and books.
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Supporting Local Talent
- Start College: Opens doors for more local students.
- Stay on Track: Minimizes work hours so students can focus on classes.
- Graduate Faster: Removes financial barriers to timely degree completion.
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Powering Pennsylvania’s Workforce
- Remove Obstacles: Removes financial hurdles to career growth.
- Scale with Demand: Builds a highly skilled regional workforce.
- Secure the Future: Fills high-quality jobs across the commonwealth.
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Unmatched Higher Education Affordability
- Lowest Cost: The most affordable four-year university option.
- Proven Return: Maximizes lifetime earnings without crippling debt.
- Statewide Impact: Keeps public education accessible for everyone.
Navigating the PASSHE Pledge for Families and Support Networks
PASSHE is working now to finalize the details for this systemwide commitment so that each university can build (or modify) their own scholarship to ensure alignment by fall 2027. Once those details are in place, universities will communicate about how their last-dollar scholarship works.