Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania
About Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania is a public university formed from the merger of Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield universities. It offers affordable programs in education, nursing, business, and the sciences across multiple campuses in central Pennsylvania.
Founded
1839
Location
Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
Students
10,455
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
93.1%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
54.5%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$11,046
Out-of-state: $22,870
Avg Net Price
$15,699
After financial aid
SAT Average
1090
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$52,416
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$35
Early
N/A
Deadline
May 1
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania accepts the majority of applicants at 93.1%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1090/ 1600
ACT Scores
23/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
54.5% complete their degree within six years
Retention
77.6%
4-Year Grad
42%
6-Year Grad
58%
Teaching Quality
19:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
83%
$/Student
$10.7K
Class Size
Large
The 42% graduation rate is below average, but 77.6% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$11,046
In-State
$22,870
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$11,868
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance
$25,161
After Financial Aid
$15,699
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$11,374
Receive Grants
31.8%
Take Loans
53.9%
The full cost of attendance is about $25,161/yr for in-state students, including $11,868 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $15,699. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $22,870.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania fund their education.
While in School
31.8%
Get Grants
Free money
53.9%
Take Loans
Must repay
$65,570
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$26,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$276/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $26,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $52K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania.
Gender
59.7%
Female
40%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
9,210
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
1,245
Graduates
34%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
5.8%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 60% of the student body. 34% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Distant
Campus Quick Facts
9,210
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
N/A
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
No
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania fields 14 varsity teams with 1,704 student athletes, about 19% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II with football
Conference
Pennsylvania State
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
14
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
1,704
19% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
58% / 42%
983
Men
721
Women
10
Men's Teams
11
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Commonwealth University of Pennsylvaniaearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$52,416
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$45K
315 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$78K
190 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$43K
147 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$30K
141 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$38K
139 grads
1yr Earnings
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
—
98 grads
Graduates earn about $44K six years out, growing to $52K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania
What is the acceptance rate at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania?▾
How much does Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania?▾
How much do Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.