Penn State Board Votes to Close Seven Branch Campuses by 2027

Penn State's Board of Trustees voted 25-8 to close seven of its Commonwealth campuses—DuBois, Fayette, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre, and York—at the end of the 2026-27 academic year following a two-year wind-down period. This decision, recommended by a workgroup led by University President Neeli Bendapudi, responds to significant enrollment declines, regional demographic shifts, and financial pressures, with affected campuses experiencing a 43% drop in enrollment. The closures aim to reallocate resources to the remaining five campuses—Beaver, Greater Allegheny, Hazleton, Schuylkill, and Scranton—which will receive focused investment and regionally integrated leadership. Local officials, such as York County Economic Alliance CEO Kevin Schreiber, have expressed concerns about the economic impact the closures may have on communities. Despite the closures, students will continue to be admitted for fall 2025 to allow degree completion or transfer opportunities. The university estimates annual savings of $50 million in operating expenses and $200 million in deferred maintenance from these closures, which are framed as part of a strategic effort to ensure the long-term sustainability of Penn State's Commonwealth campus system.