As acceptance letters begin to arrive for high school seniors in the Lehigh Valley, many students face a harsh reality: rising tuition costs may dash their dreams of higher education. This year, instead of the usual excitement, students are expressing anxiety about how they will afford their college choices. In response, State House Bill 2084 aims to provide vital financial assistance to students pursuing in-state studies.
Amanda Ishaya, a preschool teacher from Bethlehem and a parent at Freedom High School, recently celebrated when her daughter, Cassandra Tressler, received a scholarship offer of $96,000 to attend High Point University in North Carolina. “It felt like our income wasn’t going to hold Cassie back from amazing things,” Ishaya said. Cassandra, a dedicated student ranked in the top 5% of her class, also works part-time. Despite her achievements, she is now facing a significant financial burden, as her family will still need to find $180,000 to cover tuition over four years.
Cassandra dreams of becoming a history teacher, but the financial pressures weigh heavily on her. “I have a lot of siblings that need to get through school. I was really relying on scholarships,” she explained. Unfortunately, even state schools are not exempt from the challenge of affordability. According to Kate Shaw, executive director of the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, Pennsylvania ranks 49th in the nation regarding college affordability. Recent cuts to federal financial aid have further limited borrowing options for families.
While many states have already implemented measures to assist students, Pennsylvania is now considering HB 2084, which would provide “last dollar assistance” for qualifying students from households with annual incomes under $250,000. This legislation would cover the remaining tuition costs after scholarships and aid, offering a crucial lifeline for students like Cassandra.
Despite its potential benefits, HB 2084 faces uncertainty. The bill was tabled during a committee hearing on February 4, 2026, and advocates are calling for renewed pressure to reintroduce it. Critics of last-dollar scholarship programs argue that they may inadvertently encourage universities to raise tuition further. However, this perspective overlooks the underlying issues within higher education funding. Declining enrollment rates are contributing to increased tuition costs, as institutions seek to balance their budgets.
This financial strain extends beyond students. In May 2025, Penn State, one of Pennsylvania’s largest employers, announced the closure of seven satellite campuses due to declining enrollment. The impact of such closures reverberates through local communities, resulting in lost revenue and job opportunities.
As students search for alternatives, some are considering education abroad. Sofia Dubrovskaja, a 2024 graduate of Freedom High School, chose to attend Leiden University in the Netherlands after initially committing to Smith College in Massachusetts. “I found that Leiden would be more competitive. We’ve had speakers from the U.N.,” she noted, highlighting the unique opportunities available in a global context.
Hanna Black, another senior from Freedom High School, is also exploring educational options outside the United States. She is considering studying in Japan, where tuition costs are significantly lower. “In Japan it’s way less, maybe around $10,000 a year. It gives me more security,” Black stated.
Accepting such an exodus of talented students signals a troubling trend for Pennsylvania. The state must demonstrate its commitment to higher education and the future of its youth. Acceptance letters should not only represent opportunities but also inspire confidence in the local education system.
To secure a brighter future for its students, Pennsylvania lawmakers and citizens must rally behind HB 2084. If the state fails to act, it risks losing its brightest minds to other regions or countries, undermining its potential for growth and innovation. The need for immediate action is clear; ensuring that all students have access to quality education is essential for a prosperous future.
