PASSHE announces marginal increase in tuition for 2014-15
Tuition for the state-owned schools, including California University of Pennsylvania, will increase marginally for the upcoming school year, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) announced Tuesday.
The PASSHE Board of Governors approved a $198 tuition increase — $99 a semester — for the 2014-15 academic year, virtually assuring the 14 state-owned universities will remain the lowest-cost option among all four-year colleges and universities in the state.
The base tuition rate for full-time, resident undergraduate students attending Cal U this fall will be $3,410 a semester, or $6,820 for the full academic year.
“I understand the financial pressures faced by our Cal U students and their families, so I’m pleased that the PASSHE Board of Governors has approved a 2014-2015 tuition rate that includes only a modest increase,” said Cal U Interim President Geraldine M. Jones.
“A degree from California University of Pennsylvania remains a sound investment. Our graduates go on to achieve success in many different fields, and their accomplishments speak volumes about the value of a Cal U education.”
With the tuition and other anticipated fee increases, the average total cost of attendance for a full-time, resident student at Cal U or any state-owned university next year — including combined tuition, fees, room and board — will be about $18,500, PASSHE said.
Full-time, nonresident tuition will range from about $7,160 to $17,050.
Nearly 90 percent of PASSHE students are state residents and about 85 percent attend full-time, the organization reported.
This year’s tuition increase is nearly identical to the increase prior to the 2013-14 school year, which saw students paying an additional $97 a semester or $194 for the year, according to PASSHE spokesman Kenn Marshall.
The tuition increase approved by the PASSHE board essentially matches next year’s projected rate of inflation of about 3 percent, said PASSHE.
It marks the eighth time in the last 10 years PASSHE has been able keep the increase at close to the inflation rate.
It has been able to do so despite the fact that funding from the state has been held steady for four consecutive years and now stands at just slightly above the amount that was received in 1997-98 — 17 years ago.
“PASSHE universities offer tremendous value to students and their families, providing a unique combination of high-quality educational opportunities and the most affordable cost available,” said Board of Governors Chairman Guido M. Pichini.
The 2014-15 state budget passed by the state legislature last week and awaiting Gov. Tom Corbett’s signature, includes about $412.7 million for PASSHE universities, the same amount received each year since 2011-12, and about $90 million less than the System received in combined state and federal funds in 2010-11, the organization said.
“Our university leadership, especially our presidents, should be commended for the tremendous work they have done to contain their institutions’ costs and to become even more efficient in their operations during these challenging times,” Mr. Pichini said.
While struggling to keep their costs under control, the universities have continued to enhance the quality of programming they offer, said PASSHE, with the vast majority of their academic programs earning or maintaining accreditation from professional organizations nationally.
The universities also are offering more advanced professional degrees in response to growing workforce demand in areas including healthcare and science-related fields.
“The universities are doing what they need to do to meet the needs of students and their future employers,” said Chancellor Frank T. Brogan.
“As those needs change, our universities are realigning and redesigning programs and developing new programs that will help ensure students gain the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in their careers and personal lives.”