Beginning July 1, Shippensburg University will reduce the costs of tuition for out-of-state students, with additional savings for academically strong students.
The Pennsylvania Board of Governors approved the Tuition Advantage Program in January.
When put into effect, the Tuition Advantage Program will reduce out-of-state tuition costs, which are currently 250 percent of the cost for in-state students, by at least 25 percent.
Based on current tuition, out-of-state students would pay $7,020 per semester instead of $7,800.
The cuts vary based on the student’s academic skills and branch of study. Students who scored 1,200 or above on their SATs or who were in the top 10 percent of their class will only have to pay 175 percent of the in–state tuition costs.
To keep this reduced rate, continuing students will have to maintain a 2.5 GPA or better if they have less than 30 credits, or a 3.0 or better if they have over 30 credits.
Students pursuing a degree in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) field, or in a STEM education field will only have to pay 175 percent of the in state tuition costs, provided they remain within the field of study.
SU President William Ruud said that by lowering the cost of tuition for out-of-state students, SU is making itself more appealing to a larger number of potential students and will ultimately bring in more money for the campus.
Pennsylvania residents will not experience an increase in tuition costs, but it is unknown whether in-state costs will be reduced.
According to Ruud, the board of governors of the Pennsylvania System of Higher Education (PASSHE) determines the cost of tuition for both in state and out of state students attending Pennsylvania state schools.
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