Penn State York — Attraction in York

Of the 12 campuses proposed for closure in the PSU Commonwealth Campuses closure report, only Scranton was profitable in 2024 while all the others are losing $1.2-$4+ million per year… one exception is York, which financially nearly broke even in 2024 (down $300k). Even some of the campuses which are to remain open - such as Beaver with declining enrollment and -$1.7 million loss in 2024 will stay open. Meanwhile, York has stabilized enrollment (2021:718, 2022:707, 2023:703), flat numbers with not much of any real decline statically speaking. Also, PSU York has the 2nd highest enrollment of the 12 proposed campuses and comparatively lost little financially in 2024 but has been picked to be closed anyway – seems odd.

When neighboring Adams county’s Mont Alto campus closes (also one of the higher enrollments of the 12 proposed campuses but with greater financial loss in 2024), some number of Mont Alto’s future student body will go to York. I’m familiar with the area between these two campuses and still have connections there. I can see where as many as 1 in 5 or More of Mont Alto’s students would end up going to PSU York, and with neighboring Lancaster & Cumberland counties growing, PSU York’s future would be brighter forward, likely lifted to profitability, and with enrollment figures on par with a PSU branch campus like Lehigh Valley’s 900-950 students (a branch never mentioned for closure).

Can see why the other 6 are to be closed, but PSU York appears to be the exception. One thought, give PSU York 3-5 years after Mont Alto closes, and revisit then (sometime in 2030-2035). In meanwhile, to help fund keeping PSU York’s lights on, consider selling the Pullo Family Performing Arts Center (and let an arts company run the Arts Center) which the sale would likely generate income far beyond what it would take to help PSU York stay open in the meanwhile - especially after Mont Alto is closed – and then an inevitable brighter future for PSU York then, shortly after, and forward....

As an 2017 fall freshmen international student who comes from China. I’d like to say, this campus is just like the “shortcut” to University Park - the deeper development, and I believe most students think so. In spite of the campus is not too big like the other universities. The scenery actually is awesome and astonishing, especially in autumn. Leaves fall down and trees turn into gold color. Comparing with UP, this campus’s courses are easier to get credits, the tuition fee is much lower than UP, too. All the professors and staffs are very dedicated and they devote their all vigor to the academy. Campus has lots of activities including dramas, conventions and celebrating events. As a Penn Stater of Geography major, the construction of each building is unique and peculiar. But there aren’t too many courses connect with Geography major. That means you need to transfer to UP earlier in order to...

A sprawling campus tucked into the York hills, safety and security are their primary concerns. The buildings are slightly antiquated, but they've been doing a great job to help update that. If COVID is a concern, they have a decent wrap on how they keep their students, faculty, and even visitors safe, as there are items set in place to keep it as safe as you can expect. Hand sanitizer is located generously around the buildings in conspicuous spots, and masking is mandatory when required. As for the faculty, some unique people work there, but are generally some of the best in their respective studies. Something like that will always vary since each are human and deserve leeway into being in various attitudes with the day. An excellent experience, even if not...