Students in the baccalaureate program at the Pennsylvania College of Technology will be able to freeze their incoming tuition rates, if they commit to completing their degree in four years, as part of a new initiative at the college, which begins next year.

The Momentum Incentive Program enables students to opt in for a Fall 2020 start, according to information released by Penn College. The program is open to first-time, full-time bachelor degree students who enroll by May 1, 2020.

“The cost of a college degree can be a barrier for many families,” said Carolyn R. Strickland, vice president for enrollment management and associate provost. “However, Penn College is committed to creating opportunities that increase access to higher education. The Momentum Incentive Program offers students a tuition savings and provides support for academic success. We think this will be immensely beneficial to new students.”

The program offers a student the potential to save thousands of dollars in tuition over the course of their college career, according to information released by Penn College. In addition, the Momentum Incentive Program could help students stay on track to graduate by developing better study habits in order to maintain their grades. Higher grades often translates into more desirable job offers, while graduating on time means that a student enters the job market earlier increasing their lifetime earning potential.

In order to freeze their tuition for all four years of their college career, students must complete at least 30 credits each academic year and maintain a grade point average of at least a 3.0. If a student’s grades fall below that by the end of the spring semester, they are then given the opportunity to take courses during the Summer session in order to bring their average up to the minimum. If it remains below a 3.0, then the student’s eligibility ends and they will be billed the standard rate for each semester that follows.

Students who meet program requirements will see an opt-in form in their applicant dashboard after confirming their intent to enroll for Fall 2020.