Pa. students could lose their public university discount as state budget stalemate continues

Even as Penn's total tuition and fees climbs closer to $70,000 a year, a budget stalemate in Harrisburg could make Pennsylvania one of the priciest states for in-state college tuition. 

Due to conflict among Pennsylvania lawmakers over how to allocate funds for the $32 billion budget, in-state tuition discounts for schools such as Temple University, University of Pittsburgh and Penn State — could be in jeopardy.

The price of Pennsylvania colleges and universities is already the nation’s third highest, according to a USA Today report, coming in at over $27,000. 

A recent article in Philadelphia magazine noted that the state House of Representatives revealed planned funding bills for state-related schools, including Penn’s School of Veterinary Medicine, though, as of now, the $650 million of Pennsylvania money otherwise reserved for universities is still question. 

Administrators at Pitt, Temple and Penn State have all voiced concerns about the possible tuition hike.

“We urge our elected leaders in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to take action,” Temple President Richard M. Englert wrote in an op-ed in The Philadelphia Inquirer on Oct. 10. “Let’s the keep the public in Philadelphia’s public university.”

He added, “Let’s the keep the public in Philadelphia’s public university.”