Penn State University will close some of its 19 branch campuses due to declining enrollments, demographic shifts, and financial pressures. President Neeli Bendapudi announced this decision on February 25, 2025, stating that an internal team will evaluate the campuses and make recommendations for closures by spring commencement.
- Penn State to close some branch campuses.
- Seven largest campuses will remain open.
- Internal team will recommend closures.
- Declining enrollments and demographics cited.
- No closures before 2026-27 academic year.
- Other specialized campuses will stay open.
The announcement comes as Penn State faces significant challenges in maintaining its Commonwealth Campus ecosystem. Bendapudi indicated that most smaller campuses draw students primarily from local areas, making it difficult to sustain enrollment levels as nearby populations decline. Currently, approximately 6,000 students are enrolled across the twelve campuses under scrutiny out of a total of about 23,000 at all branch locations.
Key details regarding the campus closures include:
- The seven largest branch campuses—Abington, Altoona, Behrend, Berks, Brandywine, Harrisburg, and Lehigh Valley—will remain operational.
- No campus closures will take effect before the end of the 2026-27 academic year.
- Graduate-focused programs such as Penn State Great Valley and Dickinson Law will also continue to operate.
Bendapudi emphasized that despite efforts to retain these campuses amid financial constraints and declining student numbers, tough decisions must be made now to secure the university’s future. The evaluation process aims to ensure that resources are allocated effectively while addressing current educational demands in Pennsylvania.
This strategic move reflects broader trends in higher education where institutions must adapt to changing demographics and economic realities. As Penn State prepares for potential changes within its campus structure, it remains committed to ensuring a strong future for its remaining branches.
