Penn State Health expands tuition program to strengthen workforce and support patient care across health system
Enhanced program supports workforce development, career growth and the delivery of high-quality care
Penn State Health is expanding its employee tuition program, extending educational opportunities to all full-time employees and their eligible dependents across the health system
July 30, 2026Penn State Health News
Under the enhanced program, all full-time Penn State Health employees, including new hires at any Penn State Health location, will be eligible for a 50% tuition discount at Penn State and the Pennsylvania College of Technology. The opportunity will also be available to an employee’s dependents after the employee has completed one year of service
The expanded program reflects Penn State Health’s ongoing commitment to attracting, developing and retaining a highly skilled workforce while supporting employees and their families in pursuing educational and professional advancement. Health system leaders say investing in employee education helps build the talent and expertise needed to meet the growing health care needs of the communities Penn State Health serves, while creating opportunities to develop the next generation of health care professionals and leaders.
“One of Penn State Health’s greatest strengths is our people. Expanding this benefit across the health system reinforces our position as a leading employer in the region, offering a unique educational advantage that few health systems can match,” said Dr. Michael Kupferman, chief executive officer of Penn State Health. “This investment reflects our commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth, helping our team members build rewarding careers while strengthening the skilled and engaged workforce our patients and communities count on every day.”
The program is designed to support workforce development and create additional pathways for career advancement across Penn State Health. By reducing educational costs, the health system aims to help employees gain new skills, pursue degrees and certifications, and prepare for future leadership and clinical roles. These investments will help Penn State Health grow its own talent from within, strengthening the skilled workforce needed to provide high-quality care, improve access to services and meet the evolving needs of patients and communities.
“As an integrated academic health system, we have a unique opportunity to connect education and health care in ways that benefit our employees, our patients and our communities,” Kupferman said. “Expanding this program helps make education more accessible for our employees and their families while strengthening the pipeline of future caregivers, professionals and leaders who will help advance our mission.”
This expanded tuition program, which takes effect Jan. 1, builds on a longstanding educational program for employees who currently work or previously worked at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Benefits for these employees remain unchanged, reflecting the Medical Center’s historic connection to Penn State and Penn State College of Medicine
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