As leaders weigh the integration of six universities in the state system, the economic impact of the merger was discussed recently by lawmakers.
On the west side of the state, the plan would integrate Clarion, California, and Edinboro. Marc Stier of the PA Budget and Policy Center says a merger would be a big hurt to these college communities.
“The effect on the host community of PASSHE college that will be consolidated is comparable to the terrible experience we’ve had with factory closures in the last 40 years or more,” Stier said. “And like those factory closures, they’re concentrated in rural counties that already have a higher poverty rate than the state average.”
Stier also added that the plan would cut 800 jobs over the next two years—and that the move would negatively impact the retail industry in the college towns.