Penn State Board Makes Bold Move: Closure of 7 Campuses Approved—What This Means for Students and the Future

Penn State is set to close seven of its campuses due to declining enrollments and financial troubles. The board made this decision on Thursday, which will affect thousands of students and over 500 employees. The campuses closing after May 2027 are DuBois, Fayette, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre, and York.

University President Neeli Bendapudi described the closures as a strategic decision. She emphasized that spreading resources too thin harms the quality of education. “We are subsidizing decline at the expense of growth,” she stated. The board voted 25 to 8 in favor of her plan, with some trustees opposing it.

This decision comes on the heels of months of uncertainty. Earlier in February, Penn State reviewed the possibility of closing up to 12 of its 20 statewide campuses. Faculty expressed concerns about the lack of transparency in the decision-making process. An open letter signed by hundreds urged the board to consider other options for the campuses.

Research from Spotlight PA revealed that internal documents suggested past budget cuts and administrative changes failed to stem losses at the campuses. Critics argue that closing them might not be the best long-term solution.

Bendapudi envisions a more regionalized Penn State focused on campuses with higher enrollments and financial sustainability. The locations chosen for closure did not meet these criteria. Records also indicated that many trustees were apprehensive about the reasons for closing the campuses.

Rowland, an academic trustee, voiced a desire for more creative solutions, stating that this decision reflects the university’s identity. The board held its meeting via Zoom, raising questions about legality under Pennsylvania’s open meetings law.

In the lead-up to the vote, the board received a flood of public comments—over 150 submissions—most urging reconsideration of the closures. Bendapudi reiterated that maintaining the status quo was not sustainable.

While the institution does not foresee political or financial backlash, the state secretary of education’s approval is also required for the closure plan, adding another layer of complexity.

This situation highlights the persistent challenges that higher education institutions face in adapting to changing demographics and financial realities. Observing how other universities have navigated similar issues can provide valuable insights. For example, many institutions have innovated by offering more online courses or community partnerships to enhance sustainability.

As Penn State moves forward, it will need to balance its desire for growth with the needs of its student body, faculty, and community. The decisions made now will shape the university’s future for years to come.



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