Much more than a financial decision, we now must move forward with a structure that is sustainable — one that allows our strongest campuses, where we can provide our students with the best opportunities for success and engagement, to thrive while we make difficult but necessary decisions about others.

Penn State is severely underfunded compared to our peers. On a Pennsylvania undergraduate student basis, we receive about half the amount of funding per student. If or when we close campuses, that will not close the financial gap.

Cost savings are not the only driver behind any changes being considered to Penn State’s operations across the Commonwealth. Everything we do is to benefit the student experience and improve the quality of education. What helps to achieve this goal is additional state investment.

All of our campuses will continue to operate, at a minimum, through the 2026-2027 academic year, and we are excited to support our current students and welcome our new students to every campus this fall. To navigate changes ahead, the recommendation committee has launched multiple workstreams on critical issues related to forthcoming transitions, with workstream leaders engaging with faculty, staff, and students.

While our approach is still being determined, as are details related to implementation, we are committed to minimizing the impact of any forthcoming changes on our people to the greatest extent possible.

As part of its work, the recommendation committee has launched multiple workstreams on critical issues related to forthcoming transitions with workstream leaders engaging subject matter experts and shared governance bodies representing faculty, staff, and students for support to shape solutions. The workstreams include:

• Student transition and retention
• Faculty and staff transitions
• Facilities and finance
• Regulatory issues, accreditation and data
• Alumni, community and donor engagement
• Communications
• Research and external funding

Penn State is fully committed to ensuring that every student who starts their degree at Penn State can finish it at Penn State. If the campus where the student is enrolled is selected for closure, the University will provide clear pathways for degree completion at another Penn State campus or online.

No. Penn State remains dedicated to its mission of serving students across Pennsylvania. Many of our campuses are poised for long-term success with the right strategic investments. Students will continue to receive a high-quality education and access to the full benefits of a Penn State degree, no matter which campus they attend.

No. Students will not have to reapply. Penn State will work closely with students to facilitate a smooth transition to another campus and continuity in their academic progression.

Yes. Students admitted to a Commonwealth Campus can request to have their application reconsidered for another Commonwealth Campus. Students can submit a Reconsideration Request online through their My Penn State portal.

No. Reconsideration Requests for students currently admitted to a Commonwealth Campus for Summer/Fall 2025 at the University Park Campus will not be considered.

Penn State LaunchBoxes have become integral parts of their local communities by delivering entrepreneurial resources, programming, consulting, coworking spaces and funding opportunities across the commonwealth. The Invent Penn State LaunchBox & Innovation Network is funded in part by economic development monies provided by the state. Assuming the Commonwealth, as well as donors and corporate and community partners, continue their support, the University plans to maintain its LaunchBox locations and the services they provide.

Penn State Extension is part of the College of Agricultural Sciences and funded in part by federal, state, and county governments. Though some Extension offices are located on or near Commonwealth Campuses, they do not rely on the Commonwealth Campuses for funding, staffing, or operations, and their services will continue regardless of any changes at a campus location.

The $6 million grant to develop the Animal Diagnostic Lab-West in Monaca was awarded to the College of Agricultural Sciences. Penn State is committed to completing the lab on schedule to provide critical resources in support of animal health and food safety to Western Pennsylvania.

The Board of Trustees asked the administration to undertake this analysis of the Commonwealth Campus ecosystem and is supportive of President Bendapudi taking these steps forward. The specific role is determined by section 5.09 of the board’s bylaws.

Student Care and Advocacy
Counseling & Psychological Services

Counseling and mental health services available through CAPS, which can be reached at 814-863-0395 for University Park students, or via Counseling Services at Commonwealth and Other Campuses and Health Services at the Commonwealth Campuses.

Penn State’s Employee Assistance Program, a free, confidential employee and family resource to be used as the first line of defense for personal or work-related concerns for employees and their families.