Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

94.0%Acceptance

$11,046Tuition

9,309Students

53%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$52,416Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania emerged from the 2022 merger of Bloomsburg, California, and Clarion universities, creating a consolidated institution serving 9,309 students across multiple campuses. The university operates as a full public institution focused on practical education and regional workforce development. With a 94% acceptance rate, it welcomes students seeking accessible higher education in Pennsylvania's smaller communities. The main Bloomsburg campus sits in a classic college town setting, offering the traditional university experience without urban distractions.

Students pay an average net price of $18,877 annually, making it relatively affordable among Pennsylvania's public universities. Graduates earn a median salary of $52,416 ten years after graduation, though they typically carry $26,000 in student debt. Monthly loan payments average $276, which represents a manageable burden given the employment outcomes. About 29% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the university serves many first-generation and lower-income students.

The student body is 60% female and predominantly white at 77%. With 21 varsity sports competing in NCAA Division II, athletics play a visible role on campus. The 75% retention rate suggests students generally find what they're looking for, though the 53% six-year graduation rate indicates academic challenges for some.

Academics & Faculty

Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania emerged from a 2022 merger that combined multiple state institutions into one full public university. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes are common, especially in introductory courses. With a 53% four-year graduation rate, about half of students need extra time to complete their degrees. The university is known for its education programs, which have historically been strong across the former campuses. Business and nursing programs also draw many students. The 93.96% acceptance rate makes this an accessible option for Pennsylvania residents seeking a traditional college experience. Students find a mix of career-focused majors alongside liberal arts offerings at this teaching-oriented institution.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Full-Time Faculty: 85.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 53.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 53.0%
Retention Rate: 74.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $52,416

Campus Life

Bloomsburg sits in rural central Pennsylvania, about 90 minutes from both Philadelphia and Harrisburg. With 9,309 students and housing for 6,301, roughly two-thirds of students live on campus in this classic college town setting. You'll need heavy winter coats for Pennsylvania's snowy months and lighter layers for humid summers.

The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means lecture halls can feel crowded, but professors generally know their students. Women make up 60% of the student body, creating a campus active that feels more collaborative than competitive. With 21 varsity sports and 1,305 total athletes, Division II athletics draw solid crowds without dominating campus culture. Weekends revolve around dorm activities, intramural sports, and trips to nearby state parks for hiking. The surrounding area offers typical small-town amenities but limited nightlife options. Students often drive to larger towns for shopping and entertainment. Commonwealth University formed in 2022 from a merger of regional state schools, so campus traditions are still developing as students create new shared experiences.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 6,301 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 2022

Campus Safety (2023)

69 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Dating Violence	8	7	1
Rape	8	8	0
Fondling	6	5	0
Stalking	7	4	0
Burglary	4	3	0
Arson	2	2	0
Aggravated Assault	1	1	0
Domestic Violence	1	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 16°–33°F
July Avg: 58°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 0.0"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Commonwealth University draws primarily Pennsylvania residents who value accessible higher education close to home. The student body is 60% women, reflecting the university's strong programs in education, nursing, and health sciences that traditionally attract more female students. Nearly 30% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many first-generation and working-class families. With tuition under $12,000 for state residents, Commonwealth fulfills its mission as an affordable pathway to a college degree for central Pennsylvania communities. The university attracts students seeking practical career preparation without the financial burden of top institutions.

Men: 39.6%
Women: 60.4%
White: 77.4%
Black: 5.9%
Hispanic: 6.9%
Asian: 1.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 29.3%

Location

Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania sits in Bloomsburg, a classic college town in central Pennsylvania about 130 miles northwest of Philadelphia. The campus enrolls 9,309 students in a town-distant setting that blends small-town charm with university energy. Bloomsburg lies in the Susquehanna River Valley, surrounded by rolling hills and farmland typical of rural Pennsylvania. The area offers outdoor recreation opportunities with nearby state parks and hiking trails. With 60.38% of students being women, the campus creates a close-knit community feel in this town of roughly 14,000 residents. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania with similar schools in the region.

Address: Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania 17815

Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania campus

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $52,416
Median Earnings (5 years): $55,757
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $38,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 68.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $276/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $26,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania?

Commonwealth University accepts 93.96% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1075. The high acceptance rate reflects the university's mission as a public institution serving a broad range of students across Pennsylvania.

How much does Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $18,877 annually, with significant variation based on family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $13,799, while the university keeps costs manageable through its public funding model.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania?

The university maintains a 19:1 student-faculty ratio across its 9,309 enrolled students. This reflects the typical class sizes at a mid-sized public university focused on accessible education rather than intimate seminar-style learning.

Does Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania have good job outcomes?

Graduates earn a median salary of $52,416 ten years after graduation, with an employment rate of 97.1%. The university's practical programs and regional connections help students find work, though graduation rates of 53% suggest academic support could be stronger.

Where is Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania located and what is campus life like?

The university sits in Bloomsburg, a small Pennsylvania town, with housing for 6,301 students in a campus community of 9,309. The town setting creates a traditional college atmosphere where campus activities and the 21 NCAA Division II sports teams anchor student life.

Is Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania a new school?

Commonwealth University was officially founded in 2022 through a merger of existing state universities, making it Pennsylvania's newest public university system. Despite its recent founding, the institution builds on decades of established programs and maintains strong athletic traditions with 1,305 student athletes.