<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3X5mZL_1GujwyGp00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3X5mZL_1GujwyGp00" width="640" height="427" ><figcaption>Old Main on the Penn State University main campus. (AP)</figcaption></figure>Overall enrollment at Penn State University fell by 3,000 from a year ago, despite the University Park main campus having its highest-ever headcount this fall and higher numbers at some branch campuses. The decline contributed, in part, to a $124 million budget deficit that Penn State plans to address, university officials said Monday.Penn State’s total enrollment across all campuses and programs is about 83,500, down roughly 3,060 students from last year. University officials attributed about half of the decline to the closure of seven Commonwealth Campuses at the end of the spring semester.There are 742 fewer graduate students, 922 fewer international students, and roughly 2,380 fewer out-of-state students compared to last fall. Officials say the overall enrollment reflects national higher education trends, like declines in international student enrollment and the first year of a “demographic cliff,” a decrease in the number of high school graduates that will go on to pursue a college degree.The decrease also reflects the planned closure of seven Commonwealth Campuses — including the New Kensington and Fayette campuses — at the end of this school year. Those declines were anticipated, Penn State officials said.“Even with these challenges, Penn State’s market position is strong. Many of our enrollment trends positively reflect the forward-thinking work our leaders are doing to prepare the institution for the future,” said Matt Melvin, vice president for enrollment management, in a statement. Just more than 43,000 undergraduates are enrolled at the University Park campus this fall, a 0.4% increase over last fall. Among them are more than 9,900 first-time full-time students, a record high, officials said.The Greater Allegheny campus near McKeesport is the only Pittsburgh-area Commonwealth Campus that reported an enrollment increase, with 320 students enrolled this fall, up from 308 students last fall. Beaver’s fall enrollment is 421, a 54-student decrease over last year; New Kensington stands at 161, a 225-student decrease; and Fayette’s is 173, a 179-student decrease.$124 million budget shortfallPenn State officials are expecting a $124 million shortfall in its $2.2 billion education and general budget this year.While the enrollment declines at closing Commonwealth Campuses were expected, the impacts were not included in the original modeling for this year’s budget due to the timing of the budgeting process, officials said. Lower-than-anticipated enrollments resulted in an estimated $87 million reduction in projected tuition and fee revenues.Employee health insurance costs contributed to a $37 million increase beyond original projections. To address the shortfall, Penn State will reduce the president’s “strategic funds” and the office of the vice president for Commonwealth Campuses budget. One-time campus closure costs will be funded instead through investment income.There will also be budget reductions to college, campuses and programs in the education and general budget, with an average reduction of about 1.25%, officials said. Cuts cannot be to personnel, and must be included in the central budget by next summer.Additionally, capital projects using education and general budget funds must be pre-approved by the university’s provost and chief financial officer.Student progressPenn State also is focused on growing non-traditional student enrollment, improving six-year graduation rates and streamlining the student aid process. This includes a new Student Success office in an effort to improve student retention, graduation rates and career readiness.The university reported a more than 2% increase to the overall four-year graduation rate. The six-year graduation rate at University Park is the highest on record, reaching 86.4%.“Penn State remains a top destination in higher education, reflecting the strength of the university’s reputation, the caliber of the student experience, and the power of our alumni network,” said President Neeli Bendapudi in a statement. “We are deeply committed to providing our students with a world-class education and meaningful experiential opportunities that help them succeed at Penn State while preparing for their future careers.”</div></body>

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Overall enrollment at Penn State University fell by 3,000 from a year ago, despite the University Park main campus having its highest-ever headcount this fall and higher numbers at some branch campuses. The decline contributed, in part, to a $124 million budget deficit that Penn State plans to address, university...

Penn State faces $124M budget hole, steadying enrollment challenges

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Overall enrollment at Penn State University fell by 3,000 from a year ago, despite the University Park main campus having its highest-ever headcount this f

Penn State faces $124M budget hole, steadying enrollment challenges

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