Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

Public university in Pennsylvania, United States

Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

Other name

| Commonwealth University

|

Former name

* Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
* Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania
* Mansfield University of Pennsylvania

Type| Public
Established| July 1, 2022 (2022-07-1)

Parent institution

| PASSHE
Accreditation| MSCHE
President| Bashar W. Hanna[1]
Provost| Diana Rogers-Adkinson[2]
Location|

Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Clearfield

Pennsylvania

United States

Campus| Multiple Sites
Campuses|

* Bloomsburg
* Lock Haven
* Mansfield
* Clearfield

Colors| Red and gold[3]

Sporting affiliations

| NCAA Division II \- PSAC
Mascot| Multiple
Website| www.commonwealthu.edu

Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania is a public university in Pennsylvania, United States. It has three campuses in the Pennsylvania boroughs of Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield. The university was created in 2022 by the merger of Bloomsburg University, Lock Haven University, and Mansfield University. Commonwealth University is a part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.[4]

## History

[edit]

In 2021, the PASSHE Board of Governors voted to consolidate six PASSHE schools into two regional campuses as a way to address declining enrollment and increasing tuition. The two new regional campuses were Pennsylvania Western University and Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania. Bloomsburg University, Lock Haven University, and Mansfield University were consolidated to form Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania. Each of the previous universities became campuses for the new regional institution, and each campus maintained its own mascots.[5] Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg's official colors are Maroon and Gold and their mascot is the Husky. The Lock Haven campus's official colors are crimson and white and the mascot is the Bald Eagle.[6] The Mansfield campus's official colors are red and black and the official mascot is the Mountaineers.[6] Commonwealth University participates in the NCAA Division II Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.[6]

The first students attending Commonwealth University arrived in August 2022 with all three previous institutions having integrated their curriculum by August 2024.[7]

The inaugural president of Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania was Dr. Bashar W. Hanna. Hanna had been president of Bloomsburg University and was named interim president of Lock Haven and Mansfield Universities upon the announcement of consolidation.[8] Hanna was officially named President of the consolidated institution in July 2022.

In January 2025, Commonwealth University announced that the Clearfield campus would close by the end of the 2026–27 academic year.[9]

## Academics

[edit]

Commonwealth University offers over 80 different undergraduate and graduate programs across its campuses in Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, Mansfield, and Clearfield. Additionally, the availability of each academic program depends on the campus.[10]

In 2024, the in-state tuition cost for undergraduate programs was $7,716, while out-of-state tuition was $19,869.[11] For graduate studies, the tuition cost per credit varies based on the degree type.[12] Tuition is determined by the PASSHE Board of Governors and Commonwealth University Council of Trustees.

## Campuses

[edit]

Campus  | Location  | Enrollment[13] | Year

Established

| Athletics

|
|
|
|

Affiliation  | Nickname
Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg | Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania | 8,000  | 1839  | NCAA Division II

PSAC

| Huskies

Commonwealth University-Lock Haven | Lock Haven, Pennsylvania | 2,900  | 1870  | Bald Eagles

Commonwealth University-Mansfield | Mansfield, Pennsylvania | 1,800  | 1857  | Mounties

Commonwealth University-Clearfield  | Clearfield, Pennsylvania | 200+  | 1993  |  |

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Bashar Hanna". Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania. Archived from the original on June 24, 2024. Retrieved June 24, 2024.
2. ^ "Diana Rogers-Adkinson". Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania. Archived from the original on June 26, 2024. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
3. ^ "Commonwealth University Style Guide". Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania. Archived from the original on June 24, 2024. Retrieved June 24, 2024.
4. ^ "Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania". Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Archived from the original on June 26, 2024. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
5. ^ Parish, Marley (March 2, 2022). "Three consolidating state schools to become 'Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania'". State Newsroom. Pennsulvania Capital-Star. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
6. ^ a b c "Intercollegiate Athletics". Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
7. ^ Whitford, Emma (July 14, 2021). "Pennsylvania Board Votes 'Yes' on Consolidation". Pennsylvania Board votes 'yes' on Consolidation. Inside Higher Ed. Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
8. ^ "Bashar Hanna". Bashar Hanna. Academic Impressions. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
9. ^ "Commonwealth University campus in Clearfield closing". Williamsport Sun-Gazette. Retrieved January 21, 2025.
10. ^ "All Programs". Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania. Archived from the original on June 28, 2024. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
11. ^ "Tuition, Cost & Ways to Pay". Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania. Archived from the original on June 28, 2024. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
12. ^ "Graduate Tuition and Fees". Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania. Archived from the original on June 28, 2024. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
13. ^ "Visit our Campuses". Commonwealth University. Archived from the original on June 25, 2024. Retrieved June 25, 2024.