Penn State to Close Several Branch Campuses Following Declining Enrollment

University President Neeli Bendapudi announces plans to restructure the Commonwealth Campus system, with decisions expected by spring commencement.

Penn State plans to close an unspecified number of its 12 smaller Commonwealth Campuses by the end of the 2026-27 academic year due to declining enrollment and financial pressures.
Seven larger branch campuses, including Abington, Altoona, and Harrisburg, as well as specialized campuses like Dickinson Law and the College of Medicine, will remain open.
Enrollment at Commonwealth Campuses has dropped by 30% since 2010, with further declines projected, making the current structure unsustainable.
A university-appointed team will evaluate the smaller campuses and provide closure recommendations by the end of this semester for a final decision before spring commencement.
Efforts to reduce costs, including early retirement incentives and administrative consolidations, have been implemented, but further restructuring is necessary to ensure long-term sustainability.