Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania
Public university in Pennsylvania, United States
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Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania (CU) 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.[3]
Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania (1983–2022)
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania (1983–2022)
Other name | Commonwealth University |
|---|---|
Former name | Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania (1983–2022) Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania (1983–2022) Mansfield University of Pennsylvania (1983–2022) |
| Type | Public |
| Established | July 1, 2022 |
Parent institution | PASSHE |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
| President | Jeffrey Osgood[1] |
| Provost | Michelle Kiec[2] |
| Location | , Pennsylvania , United States 41°00′29.7″N 76°26′42.5″W |
| Campus | Multiple |
| Campuses |
|
| Campus colors | Bloomsburg: Maroon and Gold Lock Haven: Crimson and White Mansfield: Red and Black |
| Nickname | Bloomsburg: Huskies Lock Haven: Bald Eagles Mansfield: Mountaineers |
Sporting affiliations | NCAA Division II – PSAC NCAA Division I – MAC (Wrestling - Bloomsburg and Lock Haven) NCAA Division I – A-10 (Field Hockey - Lock Haven) |
| Mascot | Bloomsburg: Roongo Lock Haven: Talon Mansfield: The Mountie |
| Website | www |
 | |
History
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.[4] 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.[5] The Mansfield campus's official colors are red and black and the official mascot is the Mountaineers.[5] Commonwealth University participates in the NCAA Division II Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.[5]
The first students attending Commonwealth University arrived in August 2022 with all three previous institutions having integrated their curriculum by August 2024.[6]
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.[7] Hanna was officially named President of the consolidated institution in July 2022. On April 16, 2026, Jeffery L. Osgood, Jr., Ph.D was named the next president of Commonwealth University. Dr. Osgood has served as interim president since Aug. 1, 2025.[8]
In January 2025, Commonwealth University announced that the Clearfield campus would close by the end of the 2026–27 academic year.[9]
Academics
| Race and ethnicity | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 77% | ||
| Hispanic | 7% | ||
| Black | 6% | ||
| Unknown | 5% | ||
| Two or more races | 3% | ||
| Asian | 1% | ||
| Economic diversity | |||
| Low-income[a] | 34% | ||
| Affluent[b] | 66% | ||
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.[11]
In 2024, the in-state tuition cost for undergraduate programs was $7,716, while out-of-state tuition was $19,869.[12] For graduate studies, the tuition cost per credit varies based on the degree type.[13] Tuition is determined by the PASSHE Board of Governors and Commonwealth University Council of Trustees.
Campuses
| Campus | Location | Enrollment[14] | Year established |
Athletics | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary conference |
Nickname | ||||
| Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg | Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania | 8,000 | 1839 | Pennsylvania (PSAC)[c] | Huskies |
| Commonwealth University-Lock Haven | Lock Haven, Pennsylvania | 2,900 | 1870 | Bald Eagles | |
| Commonwealth University-Mansfield | Mansfield, Pennsylvania | 1,800 | 1857 | Mounties | |
- Notes
- The percentage of students who received an income-based federal Pell grant intended for low-income students.
- The percentage of students who are a part of the American middle class at the bare minimum.
- Currently an NCAA Division II athletic conference.