SHARON, Pa. - Penn State has recommended the closure of its Shenango campus in Sharon, citing a steep and sustained decline in enrollment, limited regional growth potential, and significant operational inefficiencies. The recommendation was part of a report on the future of the university's Commonwealth Campuses that was inadvertently released to the media before a scheduled Board of Trustees vote.

The 143-page report, which was intended for board review ahead of a public meeting, recommends the closure of seven campuses over a two-year wind-down period. In addition to Shenango, the other campuses facing potential closure are Penn State DuBois, Fayette, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Wilkes-Barre, and York.

Trustees, who have yet to formally vote on the recommendations, plan to meet behind closed doors on Thursday to discuss the matter.

According to the report, Penn State Shenango has experienced a 46% decrease in enrollment over the past decade, described as "one of the most severe declines" within the Commonwealth Campus system. The rationale for the closure points to what it says is Mercer County's challenging demographic and economic conditions, including population loss and a shrinking college-age population, which have hindered enrollment.

The report also highlights the campus’ small size and high per-student fixed costs, noting its reliance on central subsidies. It states that the lack of on-campus housing limits its ability to attract students from a wider area. Furthermore, the university found that Shenango's academic offerings are largely duplicative of those at nearby Penn State campuses and through its online World Campus.

Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi expressed regret that the recommendation was made public prematurely. "I am truly sorry that our community is learning of the recommendation through media coverage, rather than hearing about it with additional context directly from me or the board," she said in a statement included in the leaked report.

Bendapudi emphasized the university's commitment to supporting students, faculty, and staff through a "thoughtful and compassionate transition process."

The university outlined initial transition plans for students, saying that every student who begins a degree at a closing campus will have the opportunity to complete their Penn State education. Impacted students will receive guidance on degree completion options and pathways to other Penn State campuses, including online programs, according to a news release from the university. Current and admitted students at Shenango will be able to complete associate degree coursework, and bachelor's degree students can continue through the 2026-27 academic year. Penn State will not accept new applicants or transfers to the Shenango campus beyond the fall 2025 semester.

For faculty and staff at the Shenango campus, Penn State stated it will honor contracts. Tenured and tenure-track faculty will be offered need-driven reassignments to other campuses, while non-tenure-line and staff employees will receive priority hiring consideration for open positions across the university system.

The report indicated that across the 12 Commonwealth Campuses under review, enrollment has declined by 35% over the past decade. Campuses with fewer than 500 students, like Shenango, face challenges in maintaining diverse programs and services. Notably, 46% of classes at Penn State Shenango have fewer than seven students enrolled.

While acknowledging Penn State Shenango's historical role as an access point for local students and the dedication of its faculty and staff, the report concluded that the "structural challenges it faces are no longer resolvable." The university believes that continued operation would divert resources from stronger campuses with greater potential.

The complete recommendation report may be viewed by following this link: