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Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

Bloomsburg, PA

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

Wikipedia
2022
Founded
Public
Type
9,309
Total Students
$11K
Tuition (In-State)
$23K
Tuition (Out-State)
$19K
Avg Net Price
95%
Acceptance Rate
53%
Graduation Rate
6-year
75%
Retention Rate
President: Bashar W. Hanna

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

Commonwealth University unites three historic campuses for a dynamic public university experience.

Embark on an educational journey unlike any other at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, a forward-thinking public institution forged from the rich legacies of Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield Universities. Established in 2022, Commonwealth University offers a unique multi-campus experience, blending the distinctive traditions and vibrant student life of each location into a cohesive, expansive academic community.

This innovative university was born from a strategic initiative by the PASSHE Board of Governors in 2021, designed to strengthen higher education in the region by addressing challenges like declining enrollment and increasing tuition. By consolidating these three respected institutions, Commonwealth University provides a unified, yet diverse, educational landscape. Students joining in August 2022 were pioneers, witnessing the full curriculum integration across all three campuses by August 2024, ushering in a new era of collaborative learning.

Beyond academics, Commonwealth University thrives with a spirited student experience. Each campus proudly maintains its unique identity, complete with individual mascots and colors—from Bloomsburg's Huskies (Maroon and Gold) to Lock Haven's Bald Eagles (Crimson and White) and Mansfield's Mountaineers (Red and Black). Student-athletes compete fiercely in the NCAA Division II Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, fostering a strong sense of community and pride across all campuses under the leadership of its inaugural president, Bashar W. Hanna.

Key Highlights

  • A new public university established in 2022, consolidating Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield Universities.
  • Comprises three distinct campuses, each proudly maintaining unique mascots and official colors.
  • Participates in NCAA Division II sports within the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.
  • Curriculum fully integrated across all campuses by August 2024, offering a unified academic experience.
  • Led by inaugural President Dr. Bashar W. Hanna.

Timeline

2021
PASSHE Board of Governors voted to consolidate Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield Universities to form Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania.
2022
Dr. Bashar W. Hanna officially named the inaugural President of Commonwealth University.
2022
The first students arrived at the newly formed Commonwealth University in August.
2024
All three previous institutions had fully integrated their curriculum by August.
2025
Announcement that the Clearfield campus would close by the end of the 2026-27 academic year.
🏛️
4 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

via Wikipedia
Bashar W. Hanna
President
Michelle Kiec
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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