The Campus Review
November 13, 2026
York College of Pennsylvania plans to purchase the 53-acre Penn State York campus for $7.4 million. The Finance and Investment Committee of the Penn State Board of Trustees supported the proposed sale on November 12, 2026.
The full board is scheduled to make its final decision on November 13.
The decision for York College to Purchase Penn State campus property will bring a new educational purpose to the site. York College will partner with WellSpan Health to develop the property into a regional hub for higher education, healthcare training and community development.
Key Facts About the $7.4 Million Campus Purchase
| Deal Element | Key Details |
| Buyer | York College of Pennsylvania |
| Seller | Pennsylvania State University |
| Purchase Price | $7.4 million |
| Property Size | 53 acres |
| Buildings | 15 |
| Strategic Partner | WellSpan Health |
| Campus Closure | End of Spring 2027 semester |
| Key Facilities | Pullo Center and Graham Center for Innovation and Collaboration |
York College will use its endowment to finance the purchase. The college has recorded four consecutive years of growth in student enrollment and endowment funds.
The proposed acquisition will provide:
- Additional academic facilities for York College.
- Space to expand healthcare education and training.
- Opportunities to strengthen regional partnerships.
- Continued use of important community facilities.
Why York College Plans to Purchase Penn State Campus
The proposed York College to Purchase Penn State campus deal comes as Penn State prepares to close seven Commonwealth Campuses after the 2026–27 academic year.
In an official press release the university announced the closures in May 2025, citing financial and operational challenges.
The reasons included:
- Sustained enrollment declines across several Commonwealth Campuses.
- High operating deficits at affected locations.
- Substantial infrastructure and maintenance costs.
Penn State York is among the seven campuses scheduled to close.
York College sees the property as an opportunity to expand its existing facilities without developing an entirely new site. The 53-acre property is located less than two miles from its current campus.
“York College’s landmark strategic investment in York County demonstrates our continued commitment to grow and adapt to meet regional needs,” said Dr. Thomas Burns, president of York College of Pennsylvania.
He added that the college is positioned to preserve the property as a central educational hub.
How the WellSpan Health Partnership Will Develop the Campus
York College will own the property, while WellSpan Health will make a significant financial investment in capital improvements and site enhancements.
The partnership builds on their existing collaboration in nursing and other health professions.
The two organizations also have connections with the Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine at WellSpan Health, reflecting the region’s focus on strengthening medical education and training
What the Partnership Will Bring
- Expanded Healthcare Education: The partnership aims to strengthen nursing and other health professions programs.
- Workforce Development: The collaboration will support regional healthcare workforce needs and connect students with career opportunities.
- Campus Improvements: WellSpan Health will invest in improvements to support the property’s future educational and healthcare uses.
- Community Facilities: The Pullo Center and Graham Center for Innovation and Collaboration will continue serving York College, WellSpan and regional partners.
The Pullo Center hosts performing arts and community events, while the Graham Center supports innovation and collaboration.
What Happens to Current Penn State York Students and Staff?
In the University announcement leaders stated that dedicated transition pathways and support services are in place for both students and campus employees. Penn State aims to finalize the official property transfer before the end of its current fiscal year, ensuring a smooth handoff once final spring grades are posted.
“The community planning process identified continued educational use as a priority, and this proposal would place the campus with an established local institution while also serving the University’s financial stewardship.” – Renata Engel, Penn State Vice President for Commonwealth Campuses
Key points include:
- Classes will continue through the Spring 2027 semester.
- Students will have access to dedicated transition pathways and support services.
- Campus employees will receive transition assistance.
- York College will take responsibility for campus operations after the property transfer.
The earliest expected ownership transfer is July 1, 2027. This timeline will allow Penn State to complete its final academic semester before the property moves to its new owner.
What the Acquisition Means for York County Higher Education
The proposed York College to Purchase Penn State campus deal could strengthen higher education and healthcare training opportunities across York County.
The acquisition is expected to benefit the region in several ways:
- More Educational Space: York College will gain additional facilities to support its growing student population and academic programs.
- Healthcare Training: The WellSpan Health partnership will strengthen connections between academic programs and healthcare careers.
- Community Access: The continued use of the Pullo Center and Graham Center will preserve important community facilities.
- Regional Development: The partnership aims to support workforce development and local educational opportunities.
Once the Penn State Board of Trustees approves the proposed sale and the Spring 2027 semester concludes, York College and WellSpan Health can move forward with their plans.
The decision for York College to purchase Penn State campus property could turn a closing university branch into a new regional center for higher education and healthcare training.
Pranjal Kharche
