The Penn State Board of Trustees has voted to close seven Commonwealth Campuses, citing financial strain and a significant drop in enrollment. The decision, made on Thursday (May 22), will affect the DuBois, Fayette, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre, and York campuses, which will close after the spring of the 2026-27 academic year.
According to CBS 21, the board voted 25 to 8 in favor of the closures. President Neeli Bendapudi described the decision as strategic and necessary to maintain the quality of education and support for students. The closures are part of a plan to optimize the Commonwealth Campus ecosystem, focusing on long-term investment in the remaining 13 campuses.
Penn State's official announcement noted that the affected campuses account for 3.6% of the student body, 3.4% of faculty, and 2.2% of staff. The closures aim to address financial pressures and demographic changes while ensuring the university's sustainability.
The decision follows months of deliberation and controversy, with faculty and students expressing concerns over transparency and the impact on local communities. A petition with over 500 signatures was delivered to President Bendapudi's office by the Penn State Faculty Alliance, protesting the closures.
CBS 21 reports that the university plans to repurpose the closed campuses for local and workforce opportunities, collaborating with community leaders to reimagine their future use.
The closures will not affect students currently enrolled or those enrolling for fall 2025, allowing them to complete their degrees. Transition plans are in place to support students, faculty, and staff during this period.