HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania College of Technology will receive a 5% funding increase as part of the 2025-26 state budget, according to Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23). The increase, he said, reflects the legislature’s growing recognition of the college’s vital role in workforce development and technical education.
“The General Assembly has long said we should pay for performance when it comes to our institutions of higher education,” Yaw said. “Time and time again, Penn College has risen to the occasion. Penn College has trained tomorrow’s workforce for more than a century, and they are setting the standard for technical education and innovation around the world. I am very pleased we have taken this step in rewarding their outstanding performance.”
This vital increase will allow Penn College to maintain access for Pennsylvanians to dozens of in-demand programs such as welding, nursing, electrical and aviation maintenance – delivering life-changing opportunities for students while also developing the Commonwealth’s future workforce.
“We are truly grateful for this additional funding, which enables us to continue fueling the Commonwealth’s workforce by delivering hands-on education in high-demand career fields that meet the needs of Pennsylvania’s businesses and industries. With 86.9% of our students coming from Pennsylvania and 81% of our alumni living and working in the state, this funding represents a strong investment in the Commonwealth’s future,” said Penn College President Michael J. Reed.
The Pennsylvania College of Technology is the state’s premier applied technology institution, enrolling more than 4,700 students, reskilling over 5,000 incumbent workers yearly and delivering relevant dual enrollment opportunities to over 2,000 Pennsylvania high school students. The college offers nearly 100 industry-aligned degrees and certificates, which are taught in its 150 labs.
Penn College boasts a 98% graduate placement rate and has been ranked the No. 1 school for innovation for the third consecutive year, No. 1 for veteran students for the second consecutive year and the No. 3 top public school in the Regional Colleges (North) classification by U.S. News & World Report for 2026. Penn College also moved from No. 5 in 2025 to the No. 4 school in 2026 among Regional Colleges (North) when all public and private colleges and universities are considered.
According to existing law, funding in House Bill 1421 is directed only to provide tuition discounts for in-state students, and universities are required to meet strict financial reporting requirements as a condition of receiving the money.
For more state-related news and information, constituents can visit Senator Yaw’s website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com or follow him on Facebook and X @SenatorGeneYaw.
CONTACT:
Elizabeth Weitzel
717-787-3280