HARRISBURG — The State System of Higher Education has allowed two more of its 14 state-owned universities to offer per-credit tuition to in-state students, rather than the flat annual rate of $6,820.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Bloomsburg University got approval at Thursday's meeting in Harrisburg.

IUP wants to cut the current per-credit fee of $284 by 7 percent, but increase it gradually back to that rate in four years to help phase in the change.

Millersville and Clarion universities have previously received approval to charge in-state students per-credit tuition instead of a flat rate.

IUP officials are hoping the change will encourage students to take more credits per semester and increase graduation rates when coupled with incentives to boost need-based financial aid and shorten the time it takes to earn some degrees.

HARRISBURG — The man who has served as interim president of Shippensburg University for nearly two years is getting the job full-time.The Board of Governors of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education approved the promotion for George Harpster on Thursday.Board Chairman Guido Pichini says Harpster’s long, successful history at Shippensburg made him the ideal choice as the university’s 16th president.System officials say Harpster’s salary will increase in his new position to $240,000 per year.Harpster, who holds a master’s degree from Shippensburg and a doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, has held various administrative positions at the university since 1995.