About Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania
Bringing together the unique strengths of Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield universities, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania allows students to take advantage of resources from across the three distinct institutions.
The university offers more than 80 accredited programs, in levels ranging from undergraduate to doctorate. New technology-enabled classrooms allow students in all locations to participate in live class sessions, communicating with professors and classmates in real time. Fully online programs in areas including business, education, and technology are offered by all three of the partner universities.
Degrees are housed in the following five colleges:
- Zeigler College of Business
- College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities
- College of Education and Human Studies
- College of Health Professions
- College of Science and Technology
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Accreditation & Licensing
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania is accredited by:
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Type:
4-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableGraduate Enrollment:
1,489Fully Online Graduate Students:
58%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$26,000Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
76%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$8,075Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesAt Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, time to finish depends on your major and course format. Many required classes are online or on Zoom. That setup can change how fast you move through your plan each term.
Progress often comes down to when key classes are offered and how your major is sequenced. Clear teaching in core courses also matters. In programs like accounting, students may need more independent study when instruction is less direct.
The university supports steady progress with practical pathways and student support. Overall, the route to graduation is flexible and major-specific, not one single timeline for everyone.
At Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, support is strongest in the classroom. Professors are easy to reach outside class for help and mentoring. Many classes are small enough for professors to know students by name. That daily access gives students a clear place to go when work gets hard.
Support from staff can feel less consistent. In some cases, serious notes did not lead to clear action. Support also differs by department. Some programs offer close guidance, while others expect students to work more independently.
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania offers many online classes. In some majors, most courses run on Zoom or fully online. This can shape your weekly pace and study routine. Students who like remote learning may do well with this setup.
Students who want mostly in-person structure may find this format tougher. Some students felt they learned less in online-heavy classes. Even so, the school offers strong support through early work-study options and regular contact with instructors in smaller classes.
At Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, classes often feel personal. Many classes are small, and professors know students by name. In many courses, teaching goes beyond memorizing facts. Students are pushed to think and use ideas in real ways.
Support from faculty is clear in programs like psychology, music, and health sciences. Mentorship and access to professors are part of daily class life. At the same time, teaching can vary by major. Some accounting students report doing more self-teaching than expected, which can affect pace and confidence in core courses.
Overall, the school offers close contact with professors and strong support in many areas. The classroom experience can differ across programs, so learning may feel different from one major to another.
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania feels personal, not anonymous. Professors often know students by name, and small classes help build real connections. Clubs, sports, and campus jobs also help students feel part of the school.
A key challenge is course format. Some students expect more in-person classes but find more Zoom or online sections. That shift can make required course sequences harder to manage and may add time to a degree plan.
Classroom experience can differ by major. Some programs feel hands-on and well mentored. Others, including accounting, can feel more self-directed. Faculty access is a strong point, while staff follow-through can be uneven in complex situations.
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania feels personal, not anonymous. Professors often know students by name, and small classes help build real connections. Clubs, sports, and campus jobs also help students feel part of the school.
A key challenge is course format. Some students expect more in-person classes but find more Zoom or online sections. That shift can make required course sequences harder to manage and may add time to a degree plan.
Classroom experience can differ by major. Some programs feel hands-on and well mentored. Others, including accounting, can feel more self-directed. Faculty access is a strong point, while staff follow-through can be uneven in complex situations.
Online Programs offered by Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Computer Science & IT
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
Education
Nursing
Psychology & Human Services
Frequently Asked Questions About Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania
Is Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania accredited?
Yes. Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania is institutionally accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
How many online programs does Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania offer?
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania offers 14 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania offer?
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania offers programs from associate and bachelor's through master's and doctoral levels.
How should students contact admissions at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania programs require?
GPA requirements typically range from 2.7 to 3.0, and 3.0 appears most often.
Is Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania military friendly?
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), Official High School Transcript/GED Score, and Statement of Purpose/Intent. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania accept life experience credit?
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania accepts life experience credit, but qualifying can be harder than expected and fees may still apply. Check Transfer Options to confirm what applies to your program.
Are Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania programs fully online or mixed?
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania offer?
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania has online program options in areas such as Psychology & Human Services, Art & Liberal Arts, Education, and Nursing; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP); Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Are any admission tests required for Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students). Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania?
Some programs show different in-state and out-of-state tuition totals, so check your specific program cost.
Do any Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania is featured in 4 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania is located in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania at a Glance:
Top Majors in Pennsylvania:
Top Incentives in Pennsylvania:
- PA State Grant Program: Up to $4,525 annually
Top Career Pathways in Pennsylvania:
- Entry Level: Clinic Manager ($65,000)
- Mid Level: Healthcare Administrator ($95,000)
- Senior Level: Hospital Director ($150,000+)
- Required Education: BS Healthcare Administration
- Certifications: ACHE, CMPE