Penn State University announced plans to close some of its branch campuses due to declining enrollment, demographic shifts, and financial pressures. President Neeli Bendapudi revealed that 12 of the university's 19 undergraduate branch campuses are under review for potential closure.
The seven largest Commonwealth Campuses - Abington, Altoona, Behrend, Berks, Brandywine, Harrisburg, and Lehigh Valley - will remain open, along with specialty-focused locations like Great Valley, Dickinson Law, College of Medicine, and Pennsylvania College of Technology.
The 12 campuses being evaluated for closure are Beaver, DuBois, Fayette, Greater Allegheny, Hazleton, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Schuylkill, Scranton, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre, and York. These locations currently serve approximately 6,000 students out of the total 23,000 enrolled across all branch campuses.
"We must make hard decisions now to ensure Penn State's future remains strong," Bendapudi stated. She noted that many counties hosting these campuses face projected population declines over the next 30 years, making it unrealistic to maintain enrollment through national or international recruitment.
A final decision on which specific campuses will close will be announced before spring commencement in May 2024. Any campus slated for closure will remain operational through the 2026-27 academic year, allowing current students to complete their programs.
The university plans to assist affected faculty and staff with reassignment opportunities within Penn State when possible. Students will be provided clear pathways to complete their degrees either at other campuses or online.
Penn State will continue accepting applications and making admission offers for Fall 2025 at all Commonwealth Campuses while the review process is underway.