The university initiated a “voluntary separation incentive program” for some Commonwealth Campus employees as a way to reduce its multimillion-dollar budget deficit.

Penn State University will offer buyouts to employees at its branch campuses in an attempt to reduce a multimillion-dollar budget deficit.

Penn State is offering buyouts to Commonwealth Campus employees, a dramatic step for Pennsylvania’s flagship university as it looks to trim a multimillion-dollar deficit and balance its budget by 2025.

The organization is “facing a significant budget shortfall over the next two years in the range of $4-$5 million.”

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Penn State is offering voluntary buyouts to campus employees in an effort to deal with rapidly declining enrollment at its branch campuses across the state. The university calls them the Commonwealth Campuses, including Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, and Schuylkill.

Penn State University is offering eligible faculty, staff and administrators on its 20 Commonwealth campuses the option to leave their jobs with a lump sum payment and benefits. The move comes as Pennsylvania’s flagship public university works to shrink a multimillion-dollar budget deficit.

Campuses affected in the Philadelphia area include Penn State Abington in Montgomery County, Penn State Brandywine in Delaware County and the Great Valley campus in Chester County.