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PA State System Of Higher Education Bracing For Changes Spurred By Financial Troubles

Gregory Bull
/
AP
The 14 state-owned universities have seen enrollment drop by 15,000 students since 2010.

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is bracing itself for changes spurred by financial troubles.

The Reading Eagle reports enrollment at the 14 state-owned universities has dropped by nearly 15,000 students since 2010. Pennsylvania schools are also receiving ten percent less in state sponsored aid this year.

State budget constraints offer even less hope for the system.

The board which oversees all of the universities will hire a consultant to examine solutions for the troubled system. Chancellor Frank Brogan explained that closing or merging campuses were options.

California University of Pennsylvania hopes to combat low enrollment numbers by enhancing its science and technology offerings. 

"We want our students to graduate with those STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) focused skills that we know will help them when they go look for good jobs after graduation," said California University spokeswoman Christine Kindl. 

Chancellor Brogan did not highlight any universities that were candidates for closings or mergers.

WESA reporter Marcus Charleston contributed to this report. 

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