Penn State President Shows Support for Wolf's Tuition Freeze Plan

Governor Tom Wolf’s plan to increase funding to the state university system in exchange for a freeze on tuition rates received a show of support from the president of Pennsylvania’s largest school.

Lancaster Online reports that Penn State University President Eric Barron told the Senate Appropriations Committee this week that if Wolf’s proposal to give the school an extra $50.86 is successful, he would recommend a tuition freeze for all campuses, including Penn State Great Valley.

Wolf’s proposed 2015-2016 budget includes a total increase of more than $140 million for Pennsylvania’s higher educational system, including community colleges, the 14 state-owned universities, plus Penn State, Temple, Pittsburgh and Lincoln universities, according to the Morning Call.

The chancellor of the 14 state universities balked at giving a full commitment to the tuition freeze before the same committee, according to Lancaster Online. Frank Brogan said he could not guarantee a complete freeze, citing issues with union contract negotiations and possible higher personnel costs. Wolf’s budget includes a $45 million bump in funding for the system.