Cost, Scholarships, & Aid
A Faster Route to Independence
When choosing the college that's right for you, it's important to consider the return on your investment. As the largest comprehensive university in north central and northeastern Pennsylvania, CommonwealthU works hard to provide a world-class education that consistently rates among the best values in the nation.
Cost (2023-2024)
The following tables highlight the total yearly cost for in-state and out-of-state/international students. Cost is subject to change for future terms and is based on 12-18 credits per semester (fall/spring).
In-State
| Bloomsburg | Lock Haven | Mansfield | Clearfield | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $7,716 | $7,716 | $7,716 | $7,716 |
| Fees | $3,300 | $3,300 | $3,300 | $3,300 |
| Housing (Double) | $7,286 | $6,704 | $6,766 | $5,750** |
| Food (19 meals/week + flex) | $3,686 | $4,552 | $4,158 | N/A |
| Total per year | $21,988 | $22,272 | $21,940 | $16,766 |
Note that the per credit rate for PA Residents is $322
** 2 bedroom apartment, 12-month, one payment option
Out-of-State and International
| Bloomsburg | Lock Haven | Mansfield | Clearfield | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $19,290 | $19,290 | $19,290 | $19,290 |
| Fees | $3,550 | $3,550 | $3,550 | $3,550 |
| Housing (Double) | $7,286 | $6,704 | $6,766 | $5,750** |
| Food (19 meals/week + flex) | $3,686 | $4,552 | $4,158 | N/A |
| Total per year | $33,812 | $34,096 | $33,764 | $28,590 |
Note that the per credit rate for Out-of-State and International Students is $805
** 2 bedroom apartment, 12-month, one payment option
Costs are subject to change without notice and are dependent upon the action of the Board of Governors of the State System of Higher Education and the Commonwealth University Council of Trustees. These numbers are subject to change when 2023-2024 rates are finalized in July 2023.
First-Year Scholarships
Complete your application and submit your high school transcript by 12/15 to guarantee scholarship eligibility for Fall 2024. (Scholarship funding is limited.)
Please note: Scholarship values are reviewed annually and subject to change.
Merit Based Scholarships for First-Year Students that are Pennsylvania Residents
We are pleased to announce that Commonwealth University has developed a new merit-based scholarship strategy. Using your weighted GPA, you can determine how much scholarship money you will receive.
| Name | 4pt. GPA | % GPA | In-State per Year | In-State 4-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chancellor's Scholarship | 3.8-4.0 | 95%-100% | $5,000 | $20,000 |
| President's Scholarship | 3.5-3.79 | 90%-94% | $3,000 | $12,000 |
| Trustees' Scholarship | 3.0-3.49 | 85%-89% | $2,000 | $8,000 |
| Provost's Scholarship
Awarded *Only at Mansfield
|
2.5-2.99 | 80%-84% | $1,750 | $7,000 |
| Dean's Scholarship
Awarded *Only at Mansfield
|
2.0-2.49 | 75%-79% | $1,500 | $6,000 |
Students can only receive an In-State Scholarship or Community Scholars Award – not both.
Partial tuition waiver employment benefits and other institutional tuition-specific merit awards made through Commonwealth University may be combined, with tuition waiver employment benefits applied first, to cover up to 100% of tuition. Full tuition waiver employment benefits and other institutional tuition-specific waivers or awards may not be stacked with institutional merit awards, and may not be used to cover fees or other costs for Commonwealth University.
Merit Based Scholarships for Local, First-Year Students
Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield, together as Commonwealth University have signed an agreement guaranteeing merit-based scholarships and on-campus housing at any of its locations for all qualified students in 50+ area school districts.
The agreement guarantees scholarships for graduates from any high school participating in the Community Scholars program who enroll at a Commonwealth University campus and meet the following criteria:
- Apply for admission to any location within Commonwealth University before December 15th of the student’s senior year
- Graduate from a Community Scholars program participating school district.
- Students must be admissible to Commonwealth University. Certain majors, including many in the health sciences, have additional admission requirements that must be met as part of the admission review.
- Qualified students are eligible for four tiers of academic merit scholarships according to the table below. Scholarships are awarded on a first come, first served basis until available scholarship funding is exhausted.
| Tier | Name | 4pt. GPA | % GPA | Per Year | 4-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Community Scholars | 3.8-4.0 | 95%-100% | $7,000 | $28,000 |
| Tier 2 | Community Scholars | 3.5-3.79 | 90%-94% | $6,000 | $24,000 |
| Tier 3 | Community Scholars | 3.0-3.49 | 85%-89% | $4,000 | $16,000 |
| Tier 4 | Community Scholars | 2.5-2.99 | 80%-84% | $3,000 | $12,000 |
Students can only receive a Community Scholars Award or In-State Scholarship – not both.
- On-campus housing at the Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, Clearfield or Mansfield campuses, will be guaranteed for up to four (4) years of full-time student enrollment.
- Nursing, physician assistant, and other health professions programs remain selective and have additional requirements or capacities. For these programs, it is vital that students apply as early as possible to these majors to receive early consideration for admission.
Partial tuition waiver employment benefits and other institutional tuition-specific merit awards made through Commonwealth University may be combined, with tuition waiver employment benefits applied first, to cover up to 100% of tuition. Full tuition waiver employment benefits and other institutional tuition-specific waivers or awards may not be stacked with institutional merit awards, and may not be used to cover fees or other costs for Commonwealth University.
Merit Based Scholarships for Out-of-State and International First-Year Students
| Name | 4 pt. GPA | % GPA | Out-of-State per Year | Out-of-State 4-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chancellor's Scholarship | 3.8-4.0 | 95%-100% | $12,500 | $50,000 |
| President's Scholarship | 3.5-3.79 | 90%-94% | $11,500 | $46,000 |
| Trustees' Scholarship | 3.0-3.49 | 85%-89% | $10,500 | $42,000 |
| Provost's Scholarship | 2.5-2.99 | 80%-84% | $9,750 | $39,000 |
| Dean's Scholarship | 2.0-2.49 | 75%-79% | $9,250 | $37,000 |
Partial tuition waiver employment benefits and other institutional tuition-specific merit awards made through Commonwealth University may be combined, with tuition waiver employment benefits applied first, to cover up to 100% of tuition. Full tuition waiver employment benefits and other institutional tuition-specific waivers or awards may not be stacked with institutional merit awards, and may not be used to cover fees or other costs for Commonwealth University.
- These funds are available for all new first-year full-time students and will be disbursed equally between the fall and spring semesters.
- These awards will be renewed annually (up to eight semesters total). For the first year, a student must maintain a 2.0 grade point average with 24 credits completed. For years two, three, and four, a student must maintain a 2.50 GPA with 24 credits completed per year.
Transfer Scholarships
Complete your application and submit transcript by 3/15 to guarantee scholarship eligibility for Fall 2024. (Scholarship funding is limited.) Scholarships will be awarded based on cumulative GPA at the time of application.
Please note: Scholarship values are reviewed annually and subject to change.
New Transfer Merit Scholarships: In-State
| GPA Range | Amount |
|---|---|
| 3.5-4.0 | $2,500 |
| 3.0-3.49 | $2,000 |
| 2.5-2.99 | $1,500 |
| 2.0-2.49 | $1,000 |
Students can only receive an In-State Transfer Scholarship or Community College Partner Transfer Scholarship – not both.
Partial tuition waiver employment benefits and other institutional tuition-specific merit awards made through Commonwealth University may be combined, with tuition waiver employment benefits applied first, to cover up to 100% of tuition. Full tuition waiver employment benefits and other institutional tuition-specific waivers or awards may not be stacked with institutional merit awards, and may not be used to cover fees or other costs for Commonwealth University.
New Transfer Merit Scholarships: Out-of-State
| GPA Range | Amount |
|---|---|
| 3.5-4.0 | $9,500 |
| 3.0-3.49 | $7,500 |
| 2.5-2.99 | $6,000 |
| 2.0-2.49 | $4,500 |
Partial tuition waiver employment benefits and other institutional tuition-specific merit awards made through Commonwealth University may be combined, with tuition waiver employment benefits applied first, to cover up to 100% of tuition. Full tuition waiver employment benefits and other institutional tuition-specific waivers or awards may not be stacked with institutional merit awards, and may not be used to cover fees or other costs for Commonwealth University.
New Transfer Merit Scholarships: Community College Partners
Commonwealth University’s transfer agreements with Bucks County Community College, Harrisburg Area Community College, Lehigh Carbon Community College, Luzerne County Community College, Northern Pennsylvania Regional College, and Reading Area Community College means a seamless pathway for graduates to continue their education at one of our Commonwealth U campuses. Renewable transfer scholarships from $2,000 - $5,000 are guaranteed for qualified graduates, along with on-campus housing.
| GPA Range | Amount |
|---|---|
| 3.5-4.0 | $5,000 |
| 3.0-3.49 | $4,000 |
| 2.5-2.99 | $3,000 |
| 2.0-2.49 | $2,000 |
Students can only receive a Community College Partner Transfer Scholarship or an In-State Transfer Scholarship – not both.
Partial tuition waiver employment benefits and other institutional tuition-specific merit awards made through Commonwealth University may be combined, with tuition waiver employment benefits applied first, to cover up to 100% of tuition. Full tuition waiver employment benefits and other institutional tuition-specific waivers or awards may not be stacked with institutional merit awards, and may not be used to cover fees or other costs for Commonwealth University.
Scholarship Renewal Criteria for Transfer Students
-
Transfer scholarships are good at any CU campus for up to 7 consecutive Fall and Spring semesters, or completion of an undergrad degree – whichever comes first.
-
These funds are available for all new full-time transfer students and will be disbursed equally between the fall and spring semesters.
Financial Aid
Financial aid helps students and families/supporters pay for college. It may consist of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study. The first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
PELL
A federal grant for students who have completed their FAFSA, are pursuing their first bachelor’s degree, and have a low EFC (estimated family contribution).
PA State Grant
A Pennsylvania state grant for students who have completed their FAFSA, are pursuing their first bachelor’s degree, and have a low EFC.
PA National Guard Educational Assistance Program
EAP provides full-tuition grants to PA State System schools for students who enter a service commitment with the PA National Guard for a six year period.
FSEOG
A small federal grant for students who have completed their FAFSA, are pursuing their first bachelor’s degree, and have the lowest EFC *funds are limited.
Subsidized Loans
A loan for students who have completed their FAFSA and have a moderate EFC. The federal government pays the interest while the student is enrolled in college and for the six month grace period.
Unsubsidized Loans
A loan for students who have completed their FAFSA. Interest accrual begins immediately upon disbursement.
First-Year Scholarships
An award provided by Commonwealth University to incoming, first year students. Award criteria includes academic performance in high school and residency.
Transfer Scholarships
An award provided by Commonwealth University to incoming transfer students. Award criteria includes academic performance at previous college, intended major, and date of admission.
Athletic Scholarships
An award provided by the Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, or Mansfield Athletic Departments. Prospective student-athletes should work with their coach to determine eligibility.
External Scholarships
An award provided by your high school, local community, or an outside organization.
Part-time jobs on campus for students who have completed their FAFSA, interviewed, have been hired and completed the work-study application. Wages are paid in a bi-weekly paycheck (not deducted from tuition). Example: Admissions Tour Guide, Library Assistant, Front Desk Receptionist.
Remember to file your FAFSA beginning October 1.
Please list your first choice campus on the FAFSA.
- Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg: 003315
- Commonwealth University - Lock Haven: 003323
- Commonwealth University - Mansfield: 003324
For more information, contact admissions:
- Bloomsburg: buadmiss@bloomu.edu 570-389-4316
- Lock Haven: admissions@lockhaven.edu 570-484-2027
- Mansfield: admissions@mansfield.edu 570-662-4243
The Power of Three
Check our campus websites and learn more about tuition and housing costs.
