Pennsylvania governor proposes sweeping overhaul of higher education system

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) announced Friday a plan to overhaul the higher education system in the state, pointing out that Pennsylvania ranks 48th for affordability and 49th for investment for its universities.

The four-point plan has been in development for a year under the Higher Education Working Group, which Shapiro created to generate suggestions.

The first point in the plan would bring together approximately 10 of the state’s public universities and around 15 of its community colleges and put them under a new governance system.

The second prong puts more investment into higher education and makes it so low- or middle-income Pennsylvanians wouldn’t have to pay more than $1,000 per semester at state universities or community colleges.  

Third, Shapiro wants his universities to receive funding based on how they are performing and increase transparency in the outcomes at the schools. Lastly, he wants the funding to go through the state’s Department of Education, and not the Legislature.  

“Every Pennsylvanian deserves the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed,” the governor said. “For some, that means going right into the workforce — but for those who want to go to college or get a credential, we need to rethink our system of higher education. Whether you want to take one course to brush up on your skills, earn a certificate to qualify for a promotion, or pursue a degree that will lead to a new career — you deserve accessible, affordable higher education options.” 

More information on exactly what the investments will look like is expected to come during Shapiro’s budget address Feb. 6.