In-state tuition has been approved to increase $172 per semester for the 2026-27 school year. This also applies to the corresponding base tuition rate for graduate students, as well as tentative tuition rates for 2027-2028. On top of fee increases, this will have students paying much more.
With the 4.3% increase, tuition for in-state undergraduate students will come to $4,169 per semester.
Alongside this is an 6% increase in fees that was approved by the CU Trustees on March 6.
Behind the tuition increase
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education me on July 9. During the meeting, PASSHE’s chancellor, Christopher Fiorentino recommended a 4.3% tuition increase.
Fiorentino says that the board requested a state funding increase of $31 million for the ’26-’27 fiscal year, which would enable a tuition freeze for the coming academic year, however the budget is still being discussed
“While our elected leaders negotiate the budget, we continue to hope for an investment that would allow us to freeze tuition,” says Fiorentino, “but we have to make a tuition decision now so that our students and their parents know what to expect when the tuition bill arrives next month.”
Chancellor Fiorentino then further asked the board to commit to rolling back the rising rate if the state provides proficient base funding in the budget.
The motion was moved, then Chairwoman Cynthia Shapira opened the floor for discussion.
Board member, Ali Sina Sharifi, expressed his sadness towards the tuition increase and he’s aware of the burden it places on students and families.
“Every increase represents real sacrifice, and that is something we should never overlook. However, being optimistic requires being realistic about the current uncertainties and funding challengers,” says Sharifi. He then spoke on the bright side of the situation, that universities and schools must continue to provide quality education, facility maintenance, coordinating with faculty and staff, but most importantly; supporting the students. The realistic approach to maintaining this would be a payment increase.
The board was all in favor of carrying the motion.
Before moving on, Shapira wanted to make a note.
“We’re all disappointed to have to agree with Sina [Sharifi], to have to make this motion, we hope we do get the increase… the ability now to be able to launch the PASSHE Pledge next year is a wonderful thing as we continue to work on affordability for our students.”
The PASSHE Pledge shows hope in the midst of increases and inflation
The PASSHE Pledge is a university-based last-dollar scholarship starting in Fall ’27 that will help students cover their remaining balance who receive the Federal Pell Grant and PA State Grant after all applicable aid has been applied.
Fiorentino said he hopes the PASSHE Pledge will help students through increases such as the 4.3% tuition hike.
This scholarship was also discussed at the meeting, and will be supported through a board resolution.
“This goes along with so many of the other initiatives that we are taking to become an exemplary state system of higher education, serving the public, serving the commonwealth,” says Shapira, “this is really exciting for me because this is evidence that we’re standing together as a state system of ten really great universities to eliminate one more financial barrier to baccalaureate degrees and high quality jobs that these degrees lead to for our many hard working students.”
While the decision for increases isn’t made lightly, solutions are being created.
The Voice will continue to report on this story as the 2026-2027 year continues.
