Pa. state university system sees first enrollment increase in more than a decade

This fall, Pennsylvania’s 10 state-owned universities collectively saw their first single-year enrollment increase in more than a decade.

Overall enrollment at the public colleges — which include Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania Western University and the Indiana University of Pennsylvania — stands at over 83,000 in fall 2025, a 0.6% increase from last year.

Retention is also at 81%, its highest level on record, and community college transfers grew more than 14%, officials reported.

It’s a welcome sign to state system officials, who have watched the universities’ student population drop over the past 15 years. A decade ago, in fall 2015, system enrollment stood at nearly 107,400.

“Our innovative efforts are helping students to enroll, succeed and complete their degrees as we cont