HARRISBURG, PA – Building on its efforts to make STEM education accessible and affordable throughout the state of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) is pleased to announce a brand-new agreement to offer significant tuition discounts to benefit employees of the PA State Senate and their dependents.
Harrisburg University has prioritized lifelong learning since its inception, with a strong belief that STEM education is a driving force for both personal achievement and societal advancement. Its efforts to expand STEM degree attainment in the public sector led to the University signing an agreement in August 2024 to offer tuition discounts to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania employees.
This additional, brand-new memorandum of understanding with the Pennsylvania State Senate is the latest initiative furthering the University’s mission of expanding access to affordable higher education regardless of age, career pathway, or experience.
Under this entirely new agreement, eligible employees of the PA State Senate will receive the following discounts on Harrisburg University undergraduate degree programs, graduate degree programs, and certificates:
- For PA State Senate employees: A 25-percent discount off the full tuition rate for on-campus graduate degree programs and master’s certificates.
- For dependents of PA State Senate employees: A 10-percent discount off the full tuition rate for on-campus graduate degree programs and master’s certificates.
- For PA State Senate employees and their dependents: A 10-percent discount off the full tuition rate for online undergraduate and graduate online degree programs.
“We feel privileged and validated to have such close working relationships with the leadership of our Commonwealth,” said Kevin Purcell, Ph.D., Provost and Chief Academic Officer at Harrisburg University. “STEM education is a powerful resource that benefits all of us. The skills learned while conducting research and studying mathematics, science, and technology pay off throughout life and empower our institutions. Pennsylvania is quickly becoming a national leader in emerging markets – including advanced agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, robotics, and others. Partnerships like this help us sustain that momentum for the betterment of all.”
Kim Ward, Senate President Pro Tempore, added: “As our economy increasingly relies on technology and innovation, it is important to understand how it connects with the work we do in the Senate. The Senate’s partnership with Harrisburg University is an additional benefit we offer our employees and their families. Providing affordable STEM education classes to our employees not only helps up-skill our employees, but also builds greater awareness related to the need to create a skilled workforce for our future in the Senate and across our Commonwealth. Partnerships such as this are not only good for our employees but also the people we serve.”
Senator Jay Costa, Democratic Leader for Pennsylvania, concurred: “I am delighted to support this partnership with Harrisburg University so our staff and their families can continue learning and doing their very best work to support our constituents. It’s so important that STEM education is affordable and accessible to working families, and I look forward to opening even more doors to higher education for families across our Commonwealth.”
The tuition discount program is available to employees of the PA State Senate who meet the eligibility criteria, including new and returning students. The discount applies to a range of HU’s undergraduate and graduate programs, allowing students to pursue their passions and career goals while reducing the cost of tuition.
“Harrisburg University’s ongoing commitment to professional development is underscored by this agreement,” said Kelly Powell Logan, HU’s Vice President for Strategic Workforce Development and University Centers. “HU’s strategic locations in the heart of Harrisburg’s Capitol Complex and the City of Philadelphia, combined with flexible online learning options, empower Senate employees to seamlessly balance their professional responsibilities with academic pursuits. This initiative not only fosters individual growth but also strengthens our collective capacity to innovate and lead in an increasingly technology-driven world.”
In addition to this tuition discount, HU offers a variety of financial aid and support services to help students succeed academically and personally. For more information about HU’s undergraduate and graduate STEM degrees and professional certifications, visit HarrisburgU.edu or get in touch with the HU Admissions Office to learn about your personalized financial aid options today.
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a private, nonprofit university offering bachelor’s and graduate degree programs in the fields of science, technology, and mathematics. For additional information about the University’s affordable, demand-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, please call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay updated by following Harrisburg University on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.