Penn State's Board of Trustees voted 25-8 to close seven branch campuses by May 2027 due to declining enrollment and financial difficulties. The closure impacts thousands of students and over 500 employees. President Neeli Bendapudi argued the decision was necessary to improve the quality of education at remaining campuses. The decision followed months of internal review and public outcry, with some trustees expressing concerns about the process and lack of transparency. Despite opposition and public comment, the university maintains the closures are financially necessary and won't jeopardize state funding.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.