Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania at a Glance
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.
2022
4 years old
Identity
Is Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania Worth It?
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania offers moderate value at $15,699/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $52,416, which is 3% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 54% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 93% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
With median debt of $26,000 representing 50% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
How Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in PA
Ranked #71 of 159 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | California State University-Bakersfield | 100 | $5,652 | $59,009 |
| #2 | California State University-Stanislaus | 100 | $6,067 | $63,188 |
| #3 | Foothill College | 100 | $7,653 | $57,072 |
| #4 | Skyline College | 100 | $1,738 | $55,702 |
| #5 | University of California-Merced | 93 | $11,983 | $64,368 |
| #6 | Oakland University | 92 | $9,120 | $58,612 |
| #71 | Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania | 45 | $15,699 | $52,416 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in PA.
Best Programs at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $15,699/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Similar Colleges in PA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Bloomsburg, PA
- Student Body
- 9,210 students
- Admission Rate
- 93%
- Graduation Rate
- 54%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $15,699
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $52,416
- Median Student Debt
- $26,000