Penn State Makes Major Fee And Tutition Changes At Doomed Branch Campuses

PENNSYLVANIA — Students at Penn State's seven doomed branch campuses across the state will receive significant financial breaks before those campuses close, the university has announced.

For the upcoming 2026–27 academic year, Penn State has waived student-initiated fees at the closing campuses, resulting in a potential savings of $315 per semester or $630 total. Students will continue to have full access to all activities, services, recreational opportunities and facilities previously supported by the fee.

Additionally, beginning in the spring semester, students at closing campuses will be able to schedule up to 24 credits per semester without incurring the tuition surcharge normally applied when exceeding 19 credits. The change is intended to give students additional flexibility as they plan their academic schedules over the upcoming semesters.

“These waivers reflect our commitment to supporting students at the closing campuses and helping them stay on track toward earning their Penn State degrees,” Renata Engel, vice president for commonwealth campuses and executive chancellor, said in a statement. “We will continue working on our students’ behalf to provide the guidance and resources they need through this time of transition.”

Penn State plans to shutter the Dubois, Fayette, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre and York campuses following the spring 2027 semester. They are among the dozen of the 20 branch campuses that initially were studied for closure along with Beaver, Greater Allegheny, Hazleton, Schuykill and Scranton.