Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education is awarding free tuition to 28 high-achieving community college students transferring to its public universities as part of the 2026 All-Pennsylvania Academic Team.
“Each of these students has demonstrated remarkable academic achievement, and we are proud to welcome them to Pennsylvania’s system of public universities,” said Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino. “Our collaboration with community colleges expands opportunity for students and advances our mission to deliver a high-quality education at the lowest possible cost. We look forward to seeing these students achieve their goals while strengthening Pennsylvania’s future workforce.”
The program is a collaboration between PASSHE’s 10 public universities and Pennsylvania’s 15 community colleges and has helped nearly 1,000 students over two decades.
PASSHE universities and community colleges in Pennsylvania coordinate to create a smooth pathway for student transfers. Almost all community college credits are accepted by PASSHE universities, and students with associate degrees from Pennsylvania community colleges are guaranteed admission as juniors.
Nearly 59,000 community college students have transferred to a PASSHE university since 2010.
Many of the transferring students are pursuing careers in health care, including nursing, STEM professions, education and criminal justice, all fields with worker shortages and high demand.
