The state system board of governors voted to move forward with the integration of the three universities in Western Pennsylvania.
The board took the first step to combine Clarion, California, and Edinboro under one academic umbrella at their meeting Wednesday. Leaders at the state level say the move could save $20 million over the next five years.
The final vote on this decision will be held in July.
Slippery Rock University in Butler County was not involved in the process, and will remain the only independent school in Western Pennsylvania that is a part of the state system.