Point Park University introduces scholarship for transfer students from state university system

Point Park University announced the launch of a new program for transfer students aimed at students who may have been misplaced by recent restructuring in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

It’s called the Smooth Transition Program.

“The talk of mergers of state system schools and the elimination and restructuring of majors and programs add to the uncertainty of what has been the most stressful year in history for students,” Trudy Williams, Point Park’s vice president of Enrollment, said in a statement.

The State System began moving forward with its plan to merge six universities into two self-described “academic powerhouses” in October, amid job reductions and the elimination of some academic programs to cut costs. Declining enrollment and increasing costs have prompted the state-owned universities to look for cost reductions across the board.

“Many of Point Park’s top programs, such as innovative programs in the School of Communication, are in areas that have been de-emphasized or could be in danger of being altered in the coming months at other universities,” Williams said.

Point Park’s program includes a scholarship package of $3,000 per academic year, in addition to the $10,000 to $16,000 scholarship that is already offered to transfer students. PASSHE transfers can earn up to $19,000.

The program also includes a “timely review” of transfer credits and equivalencies, a transfer counselor and an academic coach to help students through the process and stay on track at Point Park, according to a news release.

Williams said the university doesn’t have a quota or any particular expectation for how many students will take advantage of the program in 2021, when it will start.

“Some students may have applied to Point Park, but selected a state school instead for financial reasons,” she said. “Our hope is that the scholarship will alleviate some of the financial differences so these students can continue to pursue their dream program, be a path to graduate in four years and be prepared for a successful career.”