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The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) has reported an increase in enrollment for the first time in over a decade. Approximately 83,000 students are enrolled across its ten universities for the fall 2025 semester, marking a 0.6% rise from the previous year. The student retention rate has also reached a record high of 81%, highlighting the system's focus on supporting student success.
PASSHE Board Chair Dr. Cynthia Shapira emphasized the significance of these numbers, stating they reflect the "value, affordability, and career relevance of a PASSHE education across the Commonwealth." The system includes universities such as Shippensburg, Cheyney, and Slippery Rock, with Cheyney University experiencing a notable 37.9% increase in enrollment, its highest since 2014.
The increase in enrollment is partly attributed to a 14.3% rise in students transferring from Pennsylvania community colleges, showcasing the accessibility of a PASSHE degree. Seven of the ten universities saw enrollment gains, with Indiana University of Pennsylvania maintaining stable numbers but witnessing an 8% increase in new students.
Despite these gains, some challenges remain. PennWest University, which was formed by merging three campuses, experienced a 2.6% decline in enrollment. However, it reported an 8% increase in online enrollment and a significant rise in dually enrolled students.
As colleges across the Northeast prepare for an anticipated enrollment decline due to decreasing birth rates, PASSHE is proactively aligning academic programs with workforce needs to address potential challenges. The system is also exploring innovative strategies like course sharing to enhance educational access and flexibility.