
Bloomsburg, PApubliccommonwealthu.edu
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania is a public institution with a 94% acceptance rate and a scrappy, practical ethos. Its Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield campuses offer a mix of health sciences, business, and education programs—think state-of-the-art anatomy labs alongside mountain views. With a 58% graduation rate and median post-grad salaries around $44K, it’s a workhorse for first-gen and regional students.
Commonwealth University is decidedly non-selective, with a 94% Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. ([BigFuture](https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/bloomsburg-university-of-pennsylvania/admissions), [US News](https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/commonwealth-university-of-pennsylvania-436986/applying)). The middle 50% of admitted students score between 980–1090 on the SAT or 18–25 on the ACT ([BigFuture](https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/bloomsburg-university-of-pennsylvania/admissions), [College Raptor](https://www.collegeraptor.com/colleges/admissions/Commonwealth-University-of-Pennsylvania-PA--498562)). Applications are rolling, with a final deadline of August 16—unusually late for a four-year institution ([BigFuture](https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/bloomsburg-university-of-pennsylvania/admissions)).
The university leans vocational, with business (326 graduates), nursing (234), and early childhood education (129) as its most popular majors ([Niche](https://www.niche.com/colleges/commonwealth-university-bloomsburg/academics/), [US News](https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/commonwealth-university-of-pennsylvania-436986/academics)). Health sciences get star treatment: the program boasts anatomy labs and exercise physiology facilities ([Health Science BS page](https://www.commonwealthu.edu/academics/programs/health-science-bs)). Arts and humanities promote critical thinking but play second fiddle—only 16% of degrees awarded fall under these disciplines ([College of Arts page](https://www.commonwealthu.edu/academics/colleges/arts-social-sciences-humanities)).
Life varies by campus: Bloomsburg hosts concerts and art shows ([Bloomsburg life page](https://www.commonwealthu.edu/campus-life/bloomsburg)), Lock Haven leans into clubs and orgs ([Lock Haven page](https://www.commonwealthu.edu/campus-life/lock-haven)), while Mansfield trades on its "close-knit" mountain community ([Mansfield page](https://www.commonwealthu.edu/campus-life/mansfield)). Seventy percent of students live on campus ([US News](https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/commonwealth-university-of-pennsylvania-436986/student-life)), and Niche notes the culture is "inclusive" with strong support for First-generation (first-gen)A student who would be the first in their immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Many colleges consider this in context. students ([Niche overview](https://www.niche.com/colleges/commonwealth-university-bloomsburg/)).
The four-year graduation rate is just 42% ([US News](https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/commonwealth-university-of-pennsylvania-436986)), though this climbs to 58% within six years ([Niche](https://www.niche.com/colleges/commonwealth-university-bloomsburg/after-college/)). Graduates earn a median salary of $44,053 six years out ([US News](https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/commonwealth-university-of-pennsylvania-436986)), with 78% carrying debt averaging $31,905 ([US News](https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/commonwealth-university-of-pennsylvania-436986)). The Physician Associate program reports stronger numbers: a 94.44% graduation rate and 86-91% pass rates on certification exams ([PA outcomes page](https://www.commonwealthu.edu/academics/programs/physician-associate-mhs/outcomes-and-results)).
The average net price is $17,412 after aid ([BigFuture](https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/bloomsburg-university-of-pennsylvania/tuition-and-costs)), with 83% of first-years receiving grants or scholarships ([Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. Calculator](https://app.meadowfi.com/commonwealthu)). Need-based awards average $8,187 ([US News](https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/commonwealth-university-of-pennsylvania-436986/paying)). The university emphasizes affordability, offering "generous scholarships" and urging FAFSA completion ([Tuition page](https://www.commonwealthu.edu/cost-and-aid/tuition-cost-ways-pay)).
Commonwealth U is unapologetically regional—a low-barrier entry point for Pennsylvania students who want practical degrees without cutthroat competition. Its health sciences facilities rival those of pricier schools ([Health Science page](https://www.commonwealthu.edu/academics/programs/health-science-bs)), and the three-campus model lets students choose between artsy Bloomsburg, club-heavy Lock Haven, or outdoorsy Mansfield ([Campus life pages](https://www.commonwealthu.edu/campus-life)). With 94% acceptance and rolling admissions, it’s a safety school with surprising strengths in nursing and physician training.



