Early College
Get a head-start on your college career through Commonwealth University’s Early College program.
Students may take up to 9 credits per semester. Students may take up to 6 credits for the summer and winter sessions. Courses may be taken on campus, online, or through Commonwealth’s approved districts as concurrent enrollment in a secondary environment.
Ready to join? Complete the following steps
- Apply
- Talk to your parent/guardian - they will receive an electronic form via email authorizing you to participate in our program.
- Download and complete your Authorization to Participate form. This form can be completed electronically and will need to be reviewed by your school counselor. The counselor will submit the form to CU along with your high school transcript. Please note, the school will release the high school transcript following their policy and procedure.
- Once your requirements are met, check your personal email for your acceptance letter.
Course Catalog2025 Early College Requirements
Helpful Information
An opportunity to earn college credits that may apply toward a bachelor's degree, as well as have the potential to be used as dual enrollment credits for high school graduation requirements. Most of our general education courses and some introductory level major courses are available. You will work closely with your high school guidance counselor and the Early College staff to determine the courses that will fit your schedule.
Early College is offered at all of our Commonwealth University campuses. Upon successfully completing coursework you will earn college credits that will be applied to your Commonwealth University transcript, providing you with a pathway to a bachelor’s degree.
The cost of tuition for an early college student is $127 per credit, or $380 for a 3-credit course.
Early college at Commonwealth University...
- Allows a student to expand their education in areas where their high school does not have advanced placement classes.
- Provides an opportunity to explore potential college majors.
- Improves a student’s college readiness and makes their college application more competitive.
- Allows students to receive a reduced cost for tuition as well as minimizing the time to degree completion.
- You must be a motivated student, enrolled in academic or college prep coursework and considering a post-secondary education. Authorization from a parent/guardian, as well as your school district, is also required.
- Early College students are not eligible for federal or state financial aid.
- Students will be scheduled after current Commonwealth University students had the opportunity to schedule. Enrollment is based on space availability.
Start your degree with us – Finish your degree with us. Across three academic colleges and more than 50 undergraduate and dozens of graduate programs, you’ll always have options with Commonwealth University.
Commonwealth University is committed to offering financially responsible, world-class education. Our scholarship plans continue to grow annually to work in support of our students and their success.
While the Early College Program opens doors to countless opportunities for ambitious high school students, it comes with financial barriers that not all families can overcome. That’s why philanthropic support is essential to make this important program accessible to all students, regardless of their financial situation.
For information on how you can support the Early College Program at Commonwealth University, contact Jerome Manley at jmanley@commonwealthu.edu or 570-389-4806.
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Early College is Early Admissions
Commonwealth University can help students in either situation through our Early College program. At CU, by combining the legacy dual enrollment programs of Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield, we have created the Early College Program, which combines on-campus and online opportunities for students across central Pennsylvania.
Contact Early College
- University-wide
