Mansfield, PA — Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield, together as Commonwealth University and 14 school districts in central Pennsylvania, have signed an agreement guaranteeing admission, eligibility for merit-based scholarships, and on-campus housing at any of its locations.
The school districts included in the
agreements are: Athens Area, Canton Area, Coudersport Area, Galeton
Area, Northeast Bradford, Northern Potter, Northern Tioga, Sayre Area,
Southern Tioga; Sullivan County, Towanda Area, Troy Area, Wellsboro
Area, Wyalusing Area.
The signing is the second of
three planned in October. It will bring together 50 school districts
from Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania and guarantee their graduates
admission and the chance for a financially responsible degree option to
prepare for in-demand careers at one of the three campuses of
Commonwealth University.
The agreement guarantees admission for
the graduates who enroll in a bachelor’s degree program and who meet the
following criteria:
- Apply for admission to any location within Commonwealth University no later than December 15 of the student’s senior year.
- Graduate from their respective school districts.
Those
graduates would be eligible for four tiers of academic merit
scholarships according to the following academic preparedness of the
student applicant:
- Tier 1 – 95% or above or 3.8 to 4.0 cumulative GPA – $28,000; $7,000 annually
- Tier 2 – 90-94% or above or 3.5 to 3.79 cumulative GPA – $24,000; $6,000 annually
- Tier 3 – 85-89% or above or 3.0 to 3.49 cumulative GPA – $16,000; $4,000 annually
- Tier 4 – 80-84% or above or 2.5 to 2.99 cumulative GPA – $12,000; $3,000 annually
All
scholarship recipients must remain enrolled full-time at Commonwealth
University for a minimum of 12 credits per academic semester and
maintain an overall GPA of 2.50 to remain in good academic standing and,
therefore, eligible for the scholarship.
The scholarship is
renewable for up to four (4) academic years, or eight (8) consecutive
fall and spring academic semesters, if the criteria above are met.
On-campus
housing at the Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, 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.
“These
agreements signify the power of partnership to make a significant impact
in the lives of our region’s students. We are fortunate to have
academically talented and driven high school students in our region who
will thrive as Huskies, Bald Eagles, and Mounties. We look forward to
welcoming them to our campuses,” said Bashar W. Hanna, Commonwealth U
president.
“This agreement assures students from our partner
school districts who work hard and display a spirit and resolve to
complete a college degree have the opportunity to attend our institution
at an affordable cost. Student success is at the heart of what we do,
and our mission to prepare students for their future careers results in
99% of our graduates being employed or in graduate programs within a
year of graduation. With more access to academic programs, professional
experiences, internships, and uncommon experiences, these students have
opportunities far and above what any one location could offer
independently. This partnership harnesses the ‘Power of Three’ for our
students, their families, and our community.”
Provost and Senior
Vice President for Academic Affairs Diana Rogers-Adkinson spoke of how
this will benefit both the students and employers in the region.
“This
agreement will benefit the students we serve, including the portion who
are first-generation students,” Rogers-Adkinson said. “Now it will be
even easier and more affordable for them to continue their studies at
one of our Commonwealth U locations to earn their degree.”
“In
addition, this agreement will benefit workforce development in our
region and beyond,” Rogers-Adkinson said. “Keeping our best and
brightest in our region will strengthen our communities for years to
come.”
Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield are boldly
investing in the people and communities of Pennsylvania, together as
Commonwealth University. The University is an affordable,
student-centered academic powerhouse where the leading programs of our
legacy institutions not only remain but grow even stronger. More than
80% of CU students are enrolled in foundational, in-demand programs
like:
- Business Administration
- Early Childhood Education
- Special Education
- Criminal Justice
- Applied Computer Science
- Biology
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Media and Journalism
- Exercise Science
- Nursing
- Health Sciences w/ pre-professional pathways
Bloomsburg,
Lock Haven, and Mansfield also continue to offer student activities,
clubs, events, and campus life for an unforgettable college experience. A
full complement of NCAA athletic programs at each campus leads the
spirit of Huskies, Bald Eagles, and Mountaineers.
According to
Tom Fletcher, Senior Advisor to the President for Strategic
Partnerships, “This agreement further solidifies the great working
relationship we have with our local school districts. And now, with our
Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, Mansfield, and Clearfield locations,
Commonwealth University offers even more benefits for students and their
families. It’s a powerful combination.”
To see the complete list of schools and for more details visit: https://www.commonwealthu.edu/cost-and-tuition/local-scholars