Interim chancellor backs governor's 6.5% funding proposal; system aims to hold tuition flat

Interim Chancellor Chris Fiorentino told the Board of Governors that Governor Josh Shapiro has endorsed the State System's budget request for a 6.5% increase in state funding, which Fiorentino said equates to roughly $40,400,000 and would allow the system to freeze tuition for the coming year.

Fiorentino said the freeze would mark another year that tuition remains at the same level students paid in 2018 for in-state tuition. "If we can receive this funding this year, we will hold our tuition level for yet another year," he said, adding the increase would shift more cost away from students and toward the state appropriation.

The nut graf: Fiorentino and board members framed the governor's proposal as an opportunity to continue the system's enrollment stabilization and financial-recovery strategy; he credited prior appropriations, system redesign and legislative outreach for improved budgetary footing.

Fiorentino reviewed enrollment and finance trends: the system has stabilized enrollment after years of decline, driven by maintained tuition rates, modest growth in graduate enrollment and improved student retention. He said university financial positions are improving as campuses work to align revenues and costs and implement a sustainability policy.

Fiorentino also previewed upcoming hearings with the General Assembly and thanked system staff and Jennifer Hoover for legislative outreach. He warned the system must continue adapting to demographic pressures, including an anticipated future decline in high school graduates, and urged attention to adult learners and short-term credentials.

Ending: The board asked for continued legislative engagement and follow-up as the budget process proceeds in Harrisburg.