Commonwealth University Council of Trustees Approves Adjustments to Tech Fees and Housing/Dining Rates for 2025-26

MANSFIELD, Pa.—At its quarterly meeting on Friday, March 7, 2025, the Commonwealth University (CU) Council of Trustees (COT) approved measured adjustments to technology fees, dining rates, and housing costs for the 2025-26 academic year. Additionally, the COT approved a Student Activity fee increase at the Lock Haven campus, following a request from the CU-Lock Haven Student Government Association.

“These decisions reflect our commitment to responsible stewardship—ensuring CU remains financially sustainable while continuing to offer high-quality education, modern technology, and essential student services,” said John Wetzel, Chair of the CU Council of Trustees. “Even with these modest increases, CU remains one of the most affordable options in the State System, allowing us to balance affordability with the investments necessary for student success.”

CU’s Commitment to Affordability

Despite inflationary pressures, CU has kept costs low for students:

• Average Net Price at CU has decreased by 11.2% over the past seven years (2017-2024), while other State System institutions have seen increases.
• Undergraduate in-state tuition has remained frozen since 2018—effectively saving students nearly 25% in tuition compared to inflation-adjusted rates.
• Approximately 80% of in-state undergraduate CU students receive financial aid, with an average of $8,367 in assistance.

Addressing Technology Needs Through Responsible Adjustments 

The technology fee, which has remained unchanged for seven years, helps fund critical classroom technology, network infrastructure, and software services. However, technology costs have risen significantly, creating a funding gap:

• Projected technology expenditures for 2025: $9.1M
• Projected technology fee revenue: Less than $5.5M

To keep pace with advancing technology and provide students with the tools they need for future careers, CU is implementing the following increases to the technology fees at all CU campus locations for the 2025-26 academic year:

• Undergraduate In-State: $120/term
• Undergraduate Out-of-State: $182/term
• Graduate In-State: $32/credit
• Graduate Out-of-State: $20/credit

What is the Technology Fee and how is it used?
The technology fee helps students access the latest emerging technology in the classroom and supports the campus network infrastructure to enhance learning while ensuring students have cutting edge preparation for technological skills needed in their future career.

Student-Driven Adjustments to Student Activity Fee at Lock Haven   

The Student Activity Fee is recommended by the Student Government Association on each campus, and the total fee varies at each campus. 

The CU-Lock Haven Student Government Association requested an increase to the Student Activity Fee to support student organizations, student activities, and events. In response, the CU COT approved the request for 2025-26:  

• Undergraduate: $72/term
• Graduate: $6/credit

What is the Student Activity Fee and how is it used?
At CU, students have a voice. CU student government representatives work hard to represent the student body, and use these fees to set rates, allocate funds, and oversee budgets for a wide variety of campus activities, clubs, and organizations to help make each students’ campus experience fulfilling.

Balancing Housing and Dining Costs with Rising Operational Expenses 

Rising food, labor, and facility maintenance costs continue to challenge higher education institutions nationwide, and CU is no exception. The University is making thoughtful adjustments to ensure dining service remains high quality and sustainable, while housing facilities remain safe, comfortable and well-maintained.

Estimated 2025-26 Dining Rate Adjustments* 

• CU-Bloomsburg: avg. +$120/semester (+$7.03/week or +$0.50/meal)
• CU-Lock Haven: avg. +$86/semester (+$5.06/week or +$0.36/meal)
• CU-Mansfield: avg. +$78/semester (+$4.60/week or +$0.33/meal)

Even with these increases, CU-Lock Haven and CU-Mansfield will continue operating at a deficit, with limited reserves for necessary equipment upgrades.

Estimated 2025-26 Housing Rate Adjustments* 

• CU-Bloomsburg: avg. +$230/semester (+$14.53/week or +$2.08/day of semester)
• CU-Lock Haven: avg. +$219 semester (+$13.84/week or +$1.98/day of semester)
• CU-Mansfield: avg. +$242/semester (+$15.26/week or +$ 2.18/day of semester)

Despite these responsible adjustments, CU-Bloomsburg and CU-Lock Haven will have limited funds available for repair/replacement needs and CU-Mansfield will have no such funds set aside as well as a deficit in its housing operations.

A Measured Approach to University Sustainability  

CU’s strategic adjustments reflect a pragmatic approach to balancing affordability with the need to invest in modern facilities, technology, and student services. By making incremental and necessary fee adjustments, CU continues to be a leader in cost-conscious, high-quality higher education in Pennsylvania.