By CHRISTEN SMITH

The Center Square

HARRSIBURG – Pennsylvania’s college system graduated 21,000 students this academic year as hopes rise for more state funding in the coming budget.

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education comprises 10 universities that serve 82,000 students, of which 90% claim residency. It’s a key statistic given the commonwealth’s attempts to lure college graduates to settle and grow families amid a looming demographic crisis.

‘These graduates are both broadly educated and specifically prepared to enter roles with talent shortages, from hospitals and classrooms to law enforcement, growing businesses and the hightech STEM economy,’ said system Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino.

Roughly 70% of this year’s graduates earned degrees in STEM, health care, business, law enforcement and education – all careers struggling with dangerous labor shortages. STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.’ As state-owned public universities, we have a responsibility to equip students to be critical thinkers, good communicators, and creative problem solvers as we help provide the talent that Pennsylvania needs,” Fiorentino said.

“These graduates exemplify that students are overwhelmingly choosing majors to get jobs that are in high demand, and they are ready for rewarding careers that help drive Pennsylvania’s economy.’ The system has prioritized affordability since 2018, when the first of seven tuition freezes was implemented. As of 2025, students pay $7,716 per semester, roughly onethird of the statewide average and less than half the national average of $15,900, according to data from the U.S. Department of Education.

That’s why system officials have asked lawmakers for another $40.3 million to maintain the freeze, in line with Gov. Josh Shaipro’s own request.

“PASSHE graduates are prepared, driven and essential to Pennsylvania’s future,” Fiorentino said. ‘Their education opens doors not only for personal advancement but also for community and statewide progress. These students are filling roles that keep our hospitals, schools and businesses thriving, and they are the next generation of civic leaders who will take Pennsylvania into the future.”