The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education announced in-state, undergraduate tuition will increase by $139 per semester, to a total of $3,997 per semester.

Tuition had been kept frozen for the past seven years by the system’s board of governors. The state system said the increase could potentially be rolled back, depending on if the state budget “provides sufficient funding” when resolved.

Slippery Rock University is one of 10 universities that make up the state system of higher education.

“We know tuition decisions have a real-world impact on our students. This decision reaffirms our deep commitment to affordability and access as we transform the state system for the future,” Christopher Fiorentino, chancellor of the state system, said in a news release. “This approach to tuition honors our partnership with the governor and legislators and gives them time and flexibility to find ways to invest more in PASSHE students and universities.”

The increase announcement comes while the General Assembly has yet to pass a budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Failing to meet its June 30 deadline, the Democratic-led state house and Republican-led state senate have not been able to come to an agreement.

Most recently, the state’s House of Representatives passed a $50.6 billion budget proposal mostly along party lines, with only three Republicans joining house Democrats. The Pennsylvania Senate’s Republican leadership did not indicate it approved of the house plan.

The State System of Higher Education is requesting a 6.5% increase — roughly $40 million — in funding from the state to maintain flat tuition, according to the news release. This would bring allocated funding to the state system up to $661 million.

“Every dollar counts for our students. If the state provides the funding we’ve requested, PASSHE can roll back tuition to help students with other essential expenses,” Cynthia Shapira, chairwoman of the board of governors, said in the release. “We hope this action gives those involved in state budget negotiations the time and flexibility they need to secure as much as possible for our students while allowing students and our universities to prepare for the fall semester.”

When asked for comment, SRU directed questions and comment requests to the state system.

In February, SRU’s vice president for finance and administration Carrie Birckbichler said an increase in the state’s allocation allows universities to fund programs without increasing tuition and helps schools balance their budgets.