PennLive: Pennsylvania’s bold investment in higher education deserves our thanks | Opinion written by President Bernotsky
As rising costs put higher education out of reach for many, Pennsylvania has stepped
up to declare that public education is still a vital public good.
As a proud president of one of the Commonwealth’s public institutions of higher education, I extend sincere thanks to Gov. Josh Shapiro, Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman, House Speaker Joanna McClinton, House Majority Leader Matthew Bradford, as well as other House and Senate leaders in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, and the Board of Governors for Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) for their courageous efforts to make college more accessible and affordable.
This year’s state budget clearly acknowledges the broad benefits of public higher education. With a $143 million (33%) increase in financial aid, many more families will now be able to afford college and access the transformative opportunities it provides.
Consider the creation of the Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program. By providing up to $5,000 annually for in-state students pursuing degrees in high-demand fields, we are ensuring that education leads directly to economic growth. These students commit to staying and working in Pennsylvania, keeping talent and innovation right here at home.
In addition, the 6% ($35.1 million) increase in funding for PASSHE enabled Chancellor Daniel Greenstein to recommend a tuition freeze for the seventh consecutive year. In an era of skyrocketing tuition, this is a remarkable achievement, and the PASSHE Board of Governors deserves recognition for their dedication to affordability.
The expansion of the Ready to Succeed Scholarship (RTSS) Program further demonstrates the state’s commitment to student success. By raising the household income limit to $175,000 and easing GPA requirements, more students facing diverse challenges can now access financial aid.
Finally, the Grow PA Merit Scholarship Program is a smart bet on Pennsylvania’s workforce. The program will attract new talent and diversity by offering in-state tuition to high-performing out-of-state students.
These students also commit to staying and working in the Commonwealth, which helps to address potential economic and demographic challenges. These initiatives send a clear message: Pennsylvania sees public higher education as essential to its prosperity. By investing in students today, the state is ensuring a future where opportunities are open to all, and our workforce remains strong and innovative.
Thank you, Gov. Shapiro, the legislature, and the PASSHE Board of Governors, for your leadership and vision. Your investment in higher education will have a lasting, transformative impact on Pennsylvania.