The discounts, which are provided at no cost to taxpayers, will strengthen the state government workforce by reducing financial barriers to higher education for Commonwealth employees and their families.
Harrisburg, PA – Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver announced today that Commonwealth employees and dependents are eligible for discounted tuition rates under new agreements with Elizabethtown College in Lancaster County and Peirce College in Philadelphia.
“Pursuing additional education to advance your career is a tremendous commitment. It takes hard work and sacrifice to successfully balance the demands of job, school, and family," said Secretary Weaver. “Working with Pennsylvania's higher education institutions to make tuition more affordable is one way we can support employees and their families on this journey. We are pleased for Elizabethtown College and Peirce College to join us in making these opportunities possible."
“We recognize and appreciate the immense value that Commonwealth employees provide to Pennsylvania residents," Elizabethtown College President Betty Rider said. “Through this agreement, we're honored to give back to these individuals and their families with the exceptional educational opportunities our School of Graduate and Professional Studies provides adult learners to excel in their careers."
“We are honored to collaborate with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which places such a high value on professional development through academic excellence, innovation, and flexibility" said Dr. Rita Toliver-Roberts, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost at Peirce College. “As the only institution of higher education based in Pennsylvania that is dedicated exclusively to serving the unique needs of adult learners, this collaboration is a great fit for Peirce."
The agreements with Elizabethtown College and Peirce College provide:
Elizabethtown College: 15 percent discount on all undergraduate and graduate programs within the School of Graduate & Professional Studies for Commonwealth employees and their spouses and dependents.
Peirce College: 25 percent discount on all undergraduate and graduate programs for Commonwealth employees.
Under Governor Shapiro's leadership, the Commonwealth has prioritized initiatives to attract, retain, and develop a high-quality state government workforce to continue to meet the evolving needs of Pennsylvania's diverse population. In May, Governor Shapiro signed the Hire, Improve, Recruit, and Empower (HIRE) Executive Order to create more opportunities for Pennsylvanians to enter public service, build a more competitive Commonwealth workforce, and make the Commonwealth the best employer in Pennsylvania.
In addition to discounted tuition at a growing number of colleges and universities, Commonwealth employees and/or their dependents may also be eligible for scholarships and reduced interest rates on student loans, as well as student loan forgiveness under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. View all education benefits.
The Commonwealth has increased support for workers and families by increasing paid parental leave benefits, adding new work/life benefits, and increasing counseling services for mental health, substance misuse, and family issues for employees and their families. View updated mental health and wellness benefits.
Finally, the Shapiro Administration announced enhanced medical, prescription, dental, and vision benefits through the Pennsylvania Employees Benefit Trust Fund (PEBTF) to keep up with the private sector, as well as reduce costs and waiting periods for new hires and dependents to enroll in coverage.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is always hiring! Job seekers can go to Employment.pa.gov to browse hundreds of vacancies, apply for openings, and be notified when new jobs are available.
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