The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) has reported its first enrollment increase in 15 years. This fall, the system recorded 83,005 students, marking a slight but significant rise from the previous year. This positive shift follows a period of declining student numbers since 2010.
Key Takeaways
- PASSHE enrollment increased for the first time in 15 years.
- Total students reached 83,005, up 0.06% from last year.
- Record-high freshman retention rate of 81% contributed to growth.
- Cheyney University and West Chester University saw notable increases.
- The enrollment rise follows a multi-year tuition freeze.
Enrollment Reversal After Long Decline
The total enrollment for the 10 universities within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education now stands at 83,005. This represents an increase of 496 students, or 0.06%, compared to the previous year. This growth is a notable change for PASSHE, which had experienced a continuous decrease in enrollment since 2010. At its peak in 2010, the system served 119,513 students.
This upward trend is partly due to a record-setting retention rate. The system reported that 81% of last year's freshmen returned for their second year this fall. This high retention figure indicates that students are finding value in their PASSHE education and are choosing to continue their studies within the system.
"We are proud that Pennsylvania students are choosing PASSHE universities," stated Cynthia Shapira, chair of the PASSHE Board of Governors. "These enrollment gains and record-setting retention rates demonstrate the value, affordability and career relevance of a PASSHE education across the Commonwealth."
Enrollment Statistics
- Current Enrollment: 83,005 students
- Increase from Last Year: 496 students
- Percentage Increase: 0.06%
- Freshman Retention Rate: 81% (highest on record)
- Enrollment Peak (2010): 119,513 students
Impact of Tuition Policies and Affordability
The recent enrollment growth comes after several years of stable tuition costs. For a significant period, the PASSHE system maintained a tuition freeze, aiming to keep higher education accessible for Pennsylvania residents. This policy likely played a role in attracting and retaining students.
However, the system recently implemented a tuition increase. In June, the PASSHE Board of Governors approved a 3.6% increase for in-state students. This means that annual tuition for residents at the 10 universities is now $7,994, an increase of $278. This was the first tuition hike in seven years.
Tuition Context
For several years, PASSHE universities had frozen tuition rates to address concerns about affordability. This policy aimed to make higher education more accessible to Pennsylvania families. The recent increase marks a shift in this approach, reflecting rising operational costs for the university system.
Individual University Performance
Out of the 10 universities in the state system, seven reported an increase in student numbers this fall. This indicates a broad positive trend across most institutions. However, three universities experienced further declines, including two newer institutions formed from recent mergers.
Leading the Growth
Cheyney University, a historically Black college located across Chester and Delaware counties, saw a significant enrollment boost. It recorded 851 students, an increase of 234 students or nearly 38%. This is Cheyney's highest enrollment figure since 2014, signaling a strong resurgence for the institution.
West Chester University, the largest institution within the PASSHE system, also saw growth. Its enrollment reached 17,417 students, an increase of 1.2%. Other universities reporting increases include East Stroudsburg (up 4.4%), Slippery Rock (up 2.75%), Shippensburg (up 2.6%), and Millersville (up 1.3%). Indiana University of Pennsylvania remained nearly stable, with an increase of just one student.
Declining Enrollments
Despite the overall positive trend, some institutions continued to face challenges. Kutztown University's enrollment fell by 1.3%. The two recently merged universities also experienced declines.
- Commonwealth University, formed in 2022 from the merger of Bloomsburg, Mansfield, and Lock Haven, saw its enrollment drop by nearly 2.5%.
- Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest), created in 2022 by combining Clarion, Edinboro, and California universities, experienced a 2.6% decrease in enrollment.
Demographic Shifts and Future Outlook
The PASSHE system also noted positive trends in student diversity and transfers. There was a 14.3% increase in students transferring into the system from community colleges. This highlights the role of community colleges as a pathway to four-year degrees within the state system.
Additionally, underrepresented minorities now make up 22% of the system's total enrollment. This is the highest percentage recorded in PASSHE's history, reflecting ongoing efforts to foster a more inclusive student body.
Looking ahead, the higher education landscape faces potential challenges. An "enrollment cliff" is anticipated to begin next year, with a projected nationwide decline in the number of high school graduates. This demographic shift could make it difficult for colleges and universities to maintain recent enrollment gains.
Broader Enrollment Trends
Several other colleges in the region, which had also been dealing with declining enrollment, reported increases this fall. La Salle University saw a 40% increase in first-year students and expects an overall enrollment rise for the first time since the pandemic. Temple University also anticipates a slight overall enrollment increase, its first since 2017. These broader trends suggest a mixed outlook for higher education as institutions adapt to changing student demographics and economic factors.
