- Jayla Thompson, who attended Community College of Allegheny County
- Ashley Lex, who attended Community College of Allegheny County
- Sofia Francia (pictured), who will pursue a degree in early childhood education, attended Westmoreland County Community College
- Holly Best, who attended Harrisburg Area Community College
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Top-performing community college students receive free tuition at PennWest
PASSHE universities are the top destination for community college transfer students
Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) recently announced that 29 exceptional community college students will receive free tuition at state-owned universities, continuing the system’s dedication to student success and affordability.
Four incoming PennWest students are among those selected by their community colleges and named to the prestigious All-Pennsylvania Academic Team for 2025. PASSHE’s 10 public universities and the 15 community colleges in Pennsylvania partner to offer the program, helping more than 800 students over two decades.
"Each of these students exemplifies the dedication and excellence we strive for at PASSHE," said PASSHE Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino. "PASSHE universities work closely with community colleges to ensure students can smoothly transfer to our universities. This partnership highlights our commitment to providing high-quality, affordable education that gives students the foundation they need to succeed in their future careers."
The following students will receive free tuition for two years at PennWest:
Top destination for community college transfer students
PASSHE universities continue to be the top destination for community college transfer students in Pennsylvania, with more than 55,000 students transferring to a State System university since 2010. Community college students who earn their associate degrees are guaranteed admission as juniors at PASSHE universities, with 95% of their transfer credits accepted.
"Through intentional efforts to streamline the transfer process, we’re not only helping students earn their degrees at a tremendous value, but also supporting the workforce in essential industries," said Chancellor Fiorentino. "These students are getting a comprehensive education and specialized skills to step into critical roles that will drive the state's economy forward for years to come."
Supporting student success and affordability
More than 62% of community college students transferring to a PASSHE university choose majors with in-demand fields such as business, healthcare, education, psychology, biology, and computer science. This positions students for career success and plays a vital role in addressing workforce shortages across the commonwealth.