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In-state students who attend a Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education institution such as Slippery Rock University will see their tuition freeze for the sixth consecutive year.

The system’s Board of Governors voted unanimously to hold the line on tuition, according to a statement issued Wednesday, July 20, by the board.

This means tuition for the nearly 90% of the students who are Pennsylvania residents will remain flat.

“Our students depend on PASSHE universities for a high-quality education at the lowest cost,” said Cynthia Shapira, Board of Governors chairwoman. “The state system is incredibly appreciative to the General Assembly and Gov. (Josh) Shapiro for their continued strong investment in PASSHE students and the state-owned, public universities that serve them.”

If tuition had kept pace with inflation since 2018, it would be 21% higher today, according to the state system.

SRU would need its Council of Trustees to review and approve such actions by the state system, according to Justin Zackal, SRU assistant director of communication.

“The Slippery Rock University faculty, staff and alumni thank the General Assembly and Gov. Josh Shapiro for their continued support of our mission and demonstrating their commitment to access and affordability for all students,” Zackal said. “SRU strives to offer an exemplary academic experience and strong career preparation for life after college while at the same time keeping costs as low as possible.”

This decision became possible as the state budget passed by the House and Senate is set to provide an increase of $33 million, or 6%, to state system universities, according to the Board of Governors.

With that level of investment, in the last two years the state has increased funding by $108 million, or nearly 23%, with the state system receiving $585.6 million in 2023-24, up from $477.5 million in 2021-22.

“PASSHE is proud of our partnership with the state, which helps Pennsylvania’s students get the education and skills for the most in-demand jobs at the lowest cost,” said Dan Greenstein, chancellor of the state system.

Students attending a state system institution also will receive $125 million in university-funded financial aid. More than 35% of students have family incomes of $48,000 or less, according to the Board of Governors.

The tuition freeze and aid was also made possible through increased state funding, and state system universities saving $300 million through a commitment to cost efficiencies, according to the Board of Governors.