PASSHE Will Cover Remaining Tuition for Low-Income Families

Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education has committed to covering any tuition cost that remains after a student has received both the Pell Grant and the PA State grant, a local form of need-based aid.

The system said Thursday that the last-dollar PASSHE Pledge scholarship will take effect in fall 2027. Students will still be responsible for books, room and board, and all other costs outside of tuition. 

“With the launch of the PASSHE Pledge, we stand together as a state system of 10 great universities to eliminate a financial barrier to baccalaureate degrees and high-quality jobs for many hardworking students,” Cynthia Shapira, chair of the PASSHE Board of Governors, said in the news release. “This is a major step toward helping more students earn a degree, launch a career and build a stronger future without a tuition gap standing in their way.” 

PASSHE’s commitment, which the system says will be supported at least partially by external donors, is intended to better promote college affordability and remind taxpayers that education is key to workforce development.

“Each student who has the opportunity to learn, build skills and graduate helps strengthen Pennsylvania’s workforce,” PASSHE Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino said in the release. “This initiative is about opening doors for students and helping Pennsylvania prepare more graduates for the careers that support our communities and economy.”

PASSHE’s move appears to be part of a growing push among higher ed institutions across the country to address mounting distrust about the value of a college degree. 

A number of private institutions have also made pledges to cover tuition, but rather than tying the promise to eligibility for state and federal aid they have focused on household income. For example, earlier this week Davidson College went tuition free for families that make up to $175,000.