Seven Commonwealth Campuses to Close by 2027 in Major Shift; Schuylkill Campus to See Continued Investment.
Penn State Schuylkill will remain a key part of the University’s Commonwealth Campus system following a decision by the Penn State Board of Trustees on Thursday to restructure its statewide network of campuses. As part of the plan, seven campuses will close following the 2026-27 academic year, while 13—including Penn State Schuylkill—will receive continued investment and support.
The 25-8 vote in favor of the University’s recommendation marks a significant realignment aimed at positioning Penn State to better serve students amid changing demographics, declining enrollments, and increased financial pressures.
“Penn State Schuylkill has long been an anchor in this community, and today’s decision affirms the University’s commitment to our students, faculty, staff and the greater Schuylkill County region,” said a spokesperson from the Schuylkill campus. “We are proud to continue delivering a world-class Penn State education close to home.”
Under the plan, Penn State will close campuses in DuBois, Fayette, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre, and York. These seven campuses currently serve a combined 3.6% of Penn State’s student body and 3.4% of its faculty.
In contrast, campuses like Schuylkill are expected to benefit from increased strategic investment, part of the University’s effort to bolster student services, expand academic programming, and improve long-term sustainability.
“We understand that this decision is deeply emotional for the students, employees and communities tied to the campuses that will be closing,” said Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi. “These were incredibly tough decisions, but necessary ones as we look to ensure a vibrant future for Penn State across the commonwealth.”
The University’s plan follows an intensive review of each campus, examining enrollment trends, financial viability, demographic data, and student success metrics. The result, leaders say, is a more focused and sustainable campus ecosystem that will allow Penn State to remain competitive and accessible throughout Pennsylvania.
Alongside Schuylkill, the other campuses remaining open and receiving ongoing support include Abington, Altoona, Beaver, Behrend, Berks, Brandywine, Great Valley, Greater Allegheny, Harrisburg, Hazleton, Lehigh Valley, and Scranton.
“Students in our region will continue to benefit from Penn State’s unparalleled academic reputation without having to leave their community,” said a faculty member at Penn State Schuylkill. “We’re committed to growing opportunities here while honoring the University’s land-grant mission.”
President Bendapudi said that comprehensive transition plans are in development for students, faculty, and staff at the closing campuses. These include transfer pathways, employment assistance, and community engagement efforts aimed at minimizing disruption.
David Kleppinger, chair of the Penn State Board of Trustees, acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but emphasized its importance.
“While this decision was not easy or unanimous, I strongly believe the final direction we have taken is in the best interest of Penn State and the commonwealth,” Kleppinger said. “It allows campuses like Schuylkill to continue thriving and serving students for generations to come.”