20,0000 PASSHE University Graduates Strengthen PA's workforce

Graduates are prepared for in-demand careers,
including healthcare, STEM, business and education

Harrisburg, PA - As Pennsylvania employers face ongoing worker shortages, nearly 20,000 students are graduating this year from Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education universities, prepared to fill roles in healthcare, STEM, business, education and other high-need fields across the commonwealth.

As the state universities of Pennsylvania, PASSHE plays a unique role in developing the commonwealth's homegrown workforce. Nearly 90% of the students are from Pennsylvania, and most graduates stay in the state. PASSHE universities provide a strong return on investment by educating residents who go on to live, work and support their communities.

"Pennsylvania's workforce challenges are real, and these graduates are part of the solution," said Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino. "Across healthcare, education, business and STEM fields, PASSHE universities are producing the talent employers need now, with the skills to contribute on day one and grow over time."

A college degree continues to deliver long-term value for graduates and the state. PASSHE university graduates earn about 65% more over their careers than those with only a high school diploma, nearly $1 million in additional income. For Pennsylvania, that leads to greater economic mobility for residents and a more resilient workforce.

"These remarkable students come to us from every corner of the state, from every background and invest their time and treasure to earn a degree," said Fiorentino. "It's gratifying to know the investment is worth it for them and for Pennsylvania."

Graduates prepared for in-demand careers
PASSHE universities work closely with employers across sectors, including financial services, healthcare, education, advanced manufacturing and technology, STEM, and hospitality and tourism, among others.

With 20,000 graduates this year, including approximately 13,000 this spring, the impact is significant for Pennsylvania.

• STEM: More than 2,000 graduates are receiving degrees in science, technology, engineering and math. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM occupations are expected to grow by more than 8% by 2034, three times faster than non-STEM fields.
• Business: More than 2,000 graduates are receiving business degrees. Business is the largest academic program systemwide, helping prepare graduates for both small and large companies and strengthening the backbone of Pennsylvania's economy. More professionals with business education are needed in many fields and sectors of the economy.
• Education: Due to teacher shortages, Pennsylvania has issued more emergency teaching permits than new certifications in recent years. PASSHE universities are helping address that gap, with more than 2,000 graduates receiving degrees in education. Nearly one in four people in Pennsylvania's education workforce are alumni of a PASSHE university.
• Healthcare: More than 1,800 students are earning degrees in a healthcare program. The graduates will bolster the healthcare workforce, helping to alleviate staffing shortages that strain patient care. With hospitals reporting vacancy rates of up to 30% in some clinical roles, PASSHE university graduates in health care will provide a critical infusion of talent into the health care system.

Retaining talent in the commonwealth
PASSHE universities enroll more than 83,000 students, nearly 90% of whom are Pennsylvania residents. PASSHE universities serve more students from Pennsylvania than any other four-year college or university system in the commonwealth.

"Most of our graduates will build their careers in Pennsylvania, strengthening local communities and industries across the commonwealth," said Chancellor Fiorentino. "That is the power and promise of public universities to provide a high-quality education, keep talent here and support employers."

About PASSHE
Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) is the public university system of the commonwealth with a mission to provide a high-quality education at the lowest possible cost to students. The State System annually confers more than 20,000 degrees and has more than 800,000 living alumni, most of whom live in Pennsylvania. The State System universities are Cheyney, Commonwealth (Bloomsburg, Lock Haven and Mansfield), East Stroudsburg, Indiana, Kutztown, Millersville, PennWest (California, Clarion and Edinboro), Shippensburg, Slippery Rock and West Chester universities of Pennsylvania.