Pennsylvania State University is considering closing seven of its 20 Commonwealth campuses in response to long-term enrollment declines. The campuses—DuBois, Fayette, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre, and York—enrolled about 3,200 students last fall and have seen enrollment drops ranging from 15% to 32% over the past five years.
The proposal, recently presented to the university’s board of trustees in a closed session, was initially set for a vote this week. However, more than 75 questions raised have delayed the decision for further discussion.
The plan follows a broader review of 12 campuses, though five—Hazleton, Schuylkill, Beaver, Greater Allegheny, and Scranton—are not currently included in the closure proposal.
University officials have cited a need to reshape the Commonwealth Campus system, where overall enrollment has fallen nearly 30% since 2010. While first-year enrollment across these campuses declined more sharply—down 8.4% this fall—enrollment at the University Park campus has increased by 5% during the same period.
If approved, the closures would take effect after the 2026-27 academic year. The university has not released additional details about the criteria used to select the seven campuses, though administrators have said factors like local population trends and student outcomes were considered.
The proposal has drawn strong opposition from faculty groups, some trustees, and state lawmakers, who argue that the decision risks undermining Penn State’s mission to provide access across Pennsylvania. The discussion will continue in a private session later this week, with a public vote expected at a future date.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer