GREENSBURG, PA – Today, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis highlighted the University of Pittsburgh’s launch of the Pitt Regional Campus Tuition Pledge, a new program designed to make it more affordable for Pennsylvania students to attend one of the school’s branch campuses.
This new tuition-free program is available for Pennsylvania students whose household income is $75,000 or less, at regional Bradford, Greensburg, and Johnstown campuses, as well as the Titusville nursing program, beginning fall 2026. Pennsylvania students whose household income is $75,000 or less will pay zero in tuition.
“As a first-generation college graduate and alumni of the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, I couldn't be more thrilled to see this new program unlocking the doors for more Pennsylvanians to chart their own course and achieve their dreams,” said Davis. “The Shapiro-Davis Administration is laser-focused on addressing the affordability crisis that so many Pennsylvania families are dealing with right now. This initiative by the University of Pittsburgh is one more way for families to save money, while getting a great education at one of Pitt’s branch campuses.”
Davis hosted a roundtable discussion today and was joined by Westmoreland County Commissioner Ted Kopas, Pitt-Greensburg President Dr. Robert Gregerson, Pitt-Johnstown President Dr. Jem Spectar, Pitt’s Provost & Senior Vice Chancellor Dr. Joseph McCarthy, and Vice President of Enrollment Dr. James Baldwin.
“The University of Pittsburgh is deeply committed to student success. The Pitt Regional Campus Tuition Pledge will help make excellent educational opportunities more affordable at our regional campuses in Bradford, Greensburg, Johnstown, and Titusville,” said Pitt-Greensburg President Robert G. Gregerson. “Pitt’s regional campuses serve students in western and central Pennsylvania and across the Commonwealth, many of whom are first-generation college students, Pell Grant recipients, and community members with deep ties to their regions. We are proud of our efforts to make a world-class Pitt education more accessible and affordable, and we thank Lieutenant Governor Davis, a proud Pitt-Greensburg alumnus, for the opportunity to share the exciting student success initiatives happening on our campuses.”
At the start of the 2026-27 academic year, residents – both new and currently enrolled – whose household Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is $75,000 or less will be eligible to attend the participating regional campuses as well as the nursing program tuition-free.
The university says this program is designed to meet students where they are while directly addressing its commitment to access and affordability.
“We were thrilled to welcome Lieutenant Governor Davis back to his alma mater to talk about the critically important issues of access and affordability,” said Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor Joseph J. McCarthy. “A university education can have a life-changing impact, and expanding access to an affordable, high-quality education remains a central strategic priority for the University. The Pitt Regional Campus Tuition Pledge reflects our sustained commitment to opening doors of opportunity and supporting student success across our communities, and we welcomed the opportunity to highlight this initiative for the Lieutenant Governor.”
The Shapiro-Davis Administration has made the first significant reforms to Pennsylvania’s higher education system in nearly three decades, ultimately leading to the creation of Pennsylvania’s State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) and the Commonwealth’s plan to make higher education more affordable and accessible for all Pennsylvanians.
Created in 2024, the SBHE provides direction, coordination and support to ensure that institutions of higher education fully meet the workforce and economic development needs of this Commonwealth, and that all Pennsylvanians have access to affordable, world-class postsecondary education.
In February, the SBHE voted unanimously to adopt a strategic plan for higher education – Pennsylvania’s first in more than two decades – designed to support and align the higher education sector, increase affordability and degree attainment, and strengthen the economic well-being of Pennsylvania communities.
Driving a Prosperous Pennsylvania: A Statewide Agenda for Higher Education was developed through an extensive public engagement process that elicited feedback from more than 1,300 Pennsylvanians. Building on the strengths of Pennsylvania’s colleges and universities, the plan calls for coordination to align resources, policies, and efforts to address the pressing needs of the higher education sector. The plan is based on the premise that affordable, world-class postsecondary education fuels Pennsylvania’s economy and provides affordable pathways to good-paying, family-sustaining careers.
The plan is anchored in six goals that include increasing postsecondary attainment, creating affordable pathways to postsecondary credentials, supporting the economic and workforce development needs of the Commonwealth, ensuring accountability and the efficient, effective use of state funds, and strengthening the fiscal health and stability of the sector.
Additionally, in May, the SBHE created the first-ever data dashboards for Pennsylvania’s higher education sector -- providing a one-stop shop for students, parents, and policymakers to get critical information about affordability, graduation rates, and more, all in one place.
Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has improved education for Pennsylvanians of all ages and backgrounds, made strategic investments that uplift all Pennsylvanians, and broken down barriers to opportunity. Under the Governor's leadership, Pennsylvania has increased funding for public education by almost $3 billion in just three years. This includes nearly $2 billion more for K-12 public schools, $190 million more for special education, $65 million more for career and technical education, and $52 million more for higher education.
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis talks with University of Pittsburgh leaders before today’s roundtable.