PASSHE Pledge: Scholarship for Eligible In-State Students

Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education has created the systemwide "PASSHE Pledge," a last-dollar scholarship initiative to cover remaining tuition costs for in-state undergraduate students who receive both a federal Pell Grant and a PA State Grant. The initiative will begin in fall 2027.

Under the pledge, eligible students across all 10 PASSHE universities would pay no out-of-pocket tuition costs after federal, state and institutional aid are applied. Fees, books, housing and meals are not included.

The Board of Governors unanimously approved a resolution supporting the pledge. Each university president will coordinate with PASSHE Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino to finalize the details on the university's program to align with the goals of the pledge.

"With the launch of the PASSHE Pledge, we stand together as a state system of 10 great universities to eliminate a financial barrier to baccalaureate degrees and high-quality jobs for many hardworking students," said Cynthia Shapira, chair of the PASSHE Board of Governors. "This is a major step toward helping more students earn a degree, launch a career and build a stronger future without a tuition gap standing in their way."

"Millersville University is pleased to support this new PASSHE initiative, which aligns well with our Beyond Boundaries strategic plan," said President Daniel A. Wubah. "The plan begins with the University's commitment to offer an accessible, affordable education that prepares students for a successful career or additional education. The PASSHE Pledge is one more way to ensure we meet that commitment."

Some PASSHE universities already have programs that meet parts of the pledge and will help inform the broader systemwide initiative.

"I applaud our university presidents for advancing the PASSHE Pledge," said PASSHE Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino. "They understand that even when students receive federal and state grants, a remaining tuition gap can make college feel out of reach. The PASSHE Pledge is designed to close that gap for eligible students so more Pennsylvanians can start college, stay on track and earn a degree."

Fiorentino noted that the system will also seek external support from donors for the scholarship initiative. Additional information about the scholarship pledge will be shared in a few months.

"As a student member of the Board of Governors, I am proud to support expanding the pathway to a college degree for more students," said Ali Sina Sharifi, a Shippensburg University student and member of the PASSHE Board of Governors. "Many students have jobs and work long hours while taking classes so they can afford college. By covering remaining tuition costs for eligible students, the PASSHE Pledge can help more students focus on their courses, continue their education and prepare for their futures."

The Board of Governors also set the 2026-27 in-state undergraduate tuition rate for PASSHE universities and committed to roll back the rate if the state provides sufficient funding as part of the state budget currently being negotiated. Setting tuition now provides clarity for students before the academic year begins next month while preserving flexibility for state leaders during budget negotiations.

PASSHE universities remain the most affordable four-year college option in the commonwealth. For 2026-27, in-state undergraduate tuition will increase by $172 per semester. The new tuition rate will be $4,169 per semester, or $8,338 for a full academic year, the lowest university tuition in the state.

"Every dollar counts for our students, and while we would prefer to freeze tuition as the Board did for seven years, we kept this increase as low as possible," said Shapira. "If the state provides sufficient funding, the Board is committed to rolling back the rate."