2023 Mansfield graduates posing for a selfie

Transfer Students

Commonwealth U is looking for students who are ready to take on the next challenge and finish a four-year degree. The application process helps us better understand how your previous college credits have prepared you.

  1. Apply

    Transfer applicants are reviewed on a rolling basis until the major or semester reaches capacity. You're encouraged to apply early if you're considering a competitive major, as these programs fill up quickly and space is limited. To be considered for admissions, students must be in good academic, social, and financial standing at their previous institution(s). Final admission is based on receipt of all final, official transcripts.

    • A college GPA of 2.5+ is preferred for most majors, but we'll consider a minimum 2.0 GPA in specific cases. 
    • If you've earned less than 12 college credits, you'll be evaluated on both your high school and college transcripts and must meet the minimum admission guidelines for first-year students.
    • You'll submit official transcripts from all colleges you've attended. If you've completed less than 12 college credits, you'll also need to submit an official copy of your high school transcripts.
    • Submit your $35 application fee.

    Transfer Coordinators

    Transferring is a big step. You got questions, and we’ve got answers - connect with our transfer team to ensure a smooth transition to a Commonwealth campus.

    Bloomsburg: Admissions Team
    Lock Haven: Claire Milliken 
    Mansfield: Amy Smith 

    Ask us!

  2. Send Your Transcripts

    • Students must submit official transcripts from all colleges they have attended. If you've completed less than 12 college credits, you'll also need to send an official copy of your high school transcripts. Transcripts can be sent electronically or mailed directly to the Admissions Office. 
    • A cumulative college GPA of 2.5 in all courses is preferred for most majors, but we'll consider a minimum of a 2.0 cumulative GPA.
    • Electronic transcripts can be sent through Parchment/Naviance, which is available through most guidance offices. Your guidance office can also fax or email us an official transcript.
    • Fax: 570-389-4741 Email: admissions@commonwealthu.edu.

    Apply Early!

    You are able to submit your application without all of your documents! Once submitted, you will gain access to your application portal where you can upload documents, connect with your counselor, and register for events. 

  3. Check Your Transfer Credits

    Get the credit you deserve. Credits you’ve earned at a two-year or four-year college will likely count at Commonwealth U, provided they meet the following criteria:

    • The college(s) you’ve earned credit from are regionally accredited.
    • You earned at least a “D-" or higher 
      • *Some majors at CU may require a minimum grade of  a “C” to be earned to place into the needed courses in the program. If you receive credit with a grade of a “D-“, “D” or “C-“, in some cases, you could be required to repeat that course at CU.

    Get an early look at how your courses might transfer to CU:

    Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

    Commonwealth University offers the opportunity to earn credit for your prior work, training, and life knowledge and apply it toward your degree. Students can earn credit for prior learning by demonstrating college-level knowledge they have acquired from a wide range of sources such as:

    • Noncredit training courses
    • Certifications & Licensure
    • Military service
    • Professional Development
    • In-Service Trainings

     

    CPL Application

  4. Articulation Agreements

    • Dual admission programs at schools such as Bucks CCC, Luzerne, and Lehigh County CC, Harrisburg Area CC, Montgomery CCC, and Northampton CC guarantee students admission to Commonwealth U (excluding, but not limited to, nursing, ASL, Engineering 3+2) upon completion of an A.A. or A.S. in an approved major between the community college and CU. Students must also meet the standard admission requirements for the CU major. Students should contact the transfer center or advising area at the CC to start the dual admission process.
    • Program-to-Program (P2P) — Students who have completed an A.A. or A.S. degree in certain majors, from a PA CC, may be admitted into the parallel major at CU (i.e. computer science-to-computer science), will complete the last 60 credits at CU. Admission is based on GPA.

    Articulation Agreement Options 

    Community College Partners

    Commonwealth University currently hosts transfer agreements guaranteeing a merit scholarship for qualified graduates, along with on-campus housing with:

  5. Reverse Transfer Programs

    As a potential transfer student, we understand you want to get a head start on your bachelor's degree. Starting at a PA community college is a great way to earn credits, at an economical cost, and work towards a degree. With the reverse transfer agreement, a student at any PA community college can transfer to Commonwealth U and potentially finish their associate's degree, while starting on their bachelor's degree. By completing both your associate and bachelor degrees at Commonwealth U, you can increase your career opportunities and earning potential.

    Reverse Requirements

    • You must be enrolled at Commonwealth University.
    • You must have transferred from a PA community college, and the PA community college must be the last institution attended.
    • You must have attended a PA community college within the previous 5 years and earned a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA.
    • You must have completed at least 45 credits from a PA community college (30 credits from Bucks CCC, Harrisburg Area CC, and Luzerne CCC). This excludes remedial/developmental coursework.
    • You must earn a minimum 2.0 GPA and successfully complete 15 credits at CU (30 credits for those who transfer from Bucks CCC, Harrisburg Area CC, and Luzerne CCC).
    • The community college may only consider a grade of at least a "C" for review of an associate's degree.
    • You must have earned and/or have in progress a total of 60 or more college-level credits from CU and the PA community college combined.
    • You must indicate your agreement to participate in this program by completing the Reverse Transfer Agreement Release form (you will receive this from the CU Registrar's Office once you have completed 60 credits between CU and the PA community college).

    Next Steps

    • You'll be notified of eligibility by the Registrar's Office once you have completed 60 credits, between the PA community college and Commonwealth U.
    • You'll need to contact the Registrar's Office at the PA community college to ensure the courses you take at Commonwealth U will fulfill the associate degree requirements.
    • You'll have to complete the Reverse Transfer Release form and return it to the Registrar's Office. A Commonwealth U transcript will then be sent to the PA community college for review.
    • No fees will be charged for transcripts from Commonwealth U or the PA community college.
    • If approved, the PA community college will award the associate's degree, and they'll send a final transcript to Commonwealth U to confirm the degree.

    Reverse Program Application

Carver Hall illustration inside a keystone shape

Additional Resources

Contact

Admissions

  • Bloomsburg: Arts & Administration Building 
    Clearfield: Founders Hall 
    Lock Haven: Durrwachter Alumni Conference Center
    Mansfield: South Hall

  • 570-389-4316