York College of Pennsylvania to Acquire Penn State York Campus; WellSpan Health Joins as Key Partner to Drive Facility Enhancements and Regional Growth
York College of Pennsylvania (YCP) is honored to announce that the Finance and Investment Committee of the Penn State Board of Trustees has voted to support the sale of the Penn State York campus to YCP.
The proposed $7.4 million acquisition remains contingent on final approval by the full Penn State Board of Trustees at its meeting on Friday, November 13.
As part of this overall vision, York College and WellSpan Health, longtime healthcare educational collaborators, share a vision for the campus, creating new opportunities for collaboration and strengthening the connection between education and real-world health sciences careers. Early planning by the two organizations supports the growing partnerships in nursing and other health professions, including the new relationship through Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine at WellSpan Health, and other programs that graduate over 600 WellSpan team members each year.
As part of the proposed agreement, York College will acquire full ownership of the Penn State York property, with WellSpan Health committing significant financial investment toward major capital improvements and site enhancements. Together, the partners are taking a long-term approach to ensure the campus remains a vibrant hub for higher education, healthcare training, and economic vitality across York County.
"York College’s landmark strategic investment in York County demonstrates our continued commitment to grow and adapt to meet regional needs," said Dr. Thomas Burns, President of York College of Pennsylvania. "York College is uniquely equipped to preserve this campus as a central educational hub. We are excited about what this next chapter represents for the students who will benefit from expanded facilities and opportunities, and for the continued growth and vitality of York County as a whole."
“WellSpan’s commitment to York County extends far beyond the care we provide. It means investing in the people, partnerships and opportunities that help our community thrive for generations,” said Roxanna Gapstur, PhD, RN, president and CEO of WellSpan Health. “Together with York College, we have an extraordinary opportunity to build on this campus’s legacy and create an even stronger connection between education, health and economic vitality. By bringing our strengths together, we can expand pathways to meaningful careers, develop the healthcare workforce our region needs and ensure this important community asset continues to serve York County in new and impactful ways.”
The vision for the campus is, in part, guided by the work the York County Economic Alliance (YCEA) pursued through the community-guided master site development plan earlier this year which laid the groundwork for how the property can adapt to the region’s growing needs. York College and WellSpan are deeply grateful to the YCEA for spearheading coordination among all partners and guiding this collaborative effort from day one.
“This exciting announcement brings to life a community-driven plan, informed by residents and stakeholders and convened by the YCEA,” said Kevin Schreiber, President and CEO of YCEA. “York College’s investment, coupled with WellSpan’s partnership, creates an opportunity to strengthen our region’s talent development, education and healthcare assets, attract new investment, and support long-term economic vitality. Go Spartans!"
Following four consecutive years of steady enrollment growth, careful financial management, and endowment growth, York College is leveraging its endowment to purchase the property, making a direct physical investment in our educational mission without compromising operational health. WellSpan Health’s commitment as a primary anchor tenant and facility investor provides long-term financial sustainability for the site. This ensures York College can make lasting investments in our region’s future while maintaining fiscal strength.
Penn State York will continue to operate through the conclusion of the spring 2027 semester. Following the transfer of the property, York College will lead campus operations while working alongside WellSpan to ensure a smooth transition. Having WellSpan’s active operational and instructional presence on site will maintain daily momentum and create a seamless environment for students, healthcare professionals, and community members. Key campus facilities, including the Pullo Center and the Graham Center for Innovation and Collaboration, remain central community assets and will continue to be utilized by York College, WellSpan, and regional partners.
As partners, York College and WellSpan look forward to working alongside YCEA and other community stakeholders, as well as regional community partners, to advance this shared vision and write the next chapter of education in South Central Pennsylvania.
York College media inquiries and interview requests should be directed to Director of Communications Julie Loeper at 717.668.6057.
