Harrisburg University offers discounts to state employees, dependents

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Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is offering tuition discounts to state employees and their dependents. 

HU said it has signed an agreement with the state for undergraduate and graduate degree programs and certificates. 

“We are thrilled to partner with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to provide this opportunity for commonwealth employees,” Harrisburg University President and CEO Eric Darr said in a statement. “STEM education is a powerful tool for personal development and societal growth, with both technical and soft skills that pay off throughout life and enrich our institutions. Think of where we’d be without the world of science to cultivate curiosity, collaboration, flexibility, problem-solving, communication, time management, and resilience.” 

The agreement includes a 25% discount off the full tuition rate for on-campus graduate degree programs for state employees; a 10% discount off the full tuition rate for on-campus graduate degree programs for dependents; and a 10% discount off the full tuition rate for online undergraduate and graduate degree programs for employees and their dependents, HU said. 

This initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce financial barriers and support the academic and professional aspirations of learners across the state, HU said.  

This mirrors Governor Josh Shapiro’s efforts to boost higher education spending, thereby lowering costs and improving degree acquisition in the state, Shapiro’s administration said.  

“The Shapiro Administration is proud to offer this first-ever tuition discount for both commonwealth employees and their children, representing an investment in Pennsylvania’s present and future,” said Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver. “The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is one of the largest employers in the state, and there is a constant need for workers with the most current knowledge and skills to serve our fellow residents. 

“This program offers a helping hand financially to current employees who want to advance their careers, as well as their children who will one day join the workforce,” Weaver said. “We appreciate the collaboration with Harrisburg University and other higher education institutions to offer these life-changing opportunities.” 

According to a 2019 study by the Federal Reserve of St. Louis, the typical family with at least two generations of college education had more than 2x the income and 7x the wealth of families with no college degree in two generations. It also found that children of college graduates are more likely to get a degree. 

“Pennsylvania stands on the precipice of becoming a national leader in critical fields and emerging markets, including advanced manufacturing, advanced agriculture, healthcare, and many more,” Darr said. “I couldn’t be happier that we’re helping to extend these opportunities to further enrich our region and its governing bodies.”  

 The tuition discount program is available to state employees who meet the eligibility criteria, including new and returning students.  

“Harrisburg University’s ongoing commitment to professional development is evident through this agreement focused on educating Commonwealth of Pennsylvania employees with discounted tuition,” said Kelly Powell Logan, HU’s vice president for Strategic Workforce Development and University Centers. “For example, hundreds of commonwealth employees have completed Harrisburg University’s Government Technology Institute IT Leaders Certificate Program, and the six academic credits earned there, combined with this discount, offer substantial savings and expedite degree completion in our graduate programming.” 

Powell Logan said the initiative empowers state employees to achieve advanced degrees and accelerate their careers.  

“HU’s strategic locations in the heart of Harrisburg’s Capitol Complex and the City of Philadelphia, along with its flexible online learning options, provide support and convenience for government employees balancing work and life with academic pursuits,” Powell Logan said.  

In addition to this tuition discount, HU offers a variety of financial aid and support services to help students succeed academically and personally 

Under the Shapiro Administration, OA has also added tuition assistance from York College of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Western University Global Online, Arizona Global Campus, Capella University, Chamberlain University, DeVry University, Kean University, Penn Foster, Strayer University, and Walden University. 

In addition, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency offers an interest rate discount of 0.25% for state employees who are a borrower or co-signer on new PA Forward loans. State employees can also qualify for loan forgiveness through the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. 

And the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Scholarship Program provides scholarship opportunities to eligible state employees and their dependents to attend a state system university. The program was recently updated to increase the scholarships up to $3,000 for full-time and $1,500 for part-time students each academic year. Previously, the scholarships were up to $2,000 for full-time and $1,000 for part-time students.