Update on Clearfield

After careful analysis, the university has decided to cease operations at Clearfield following the end of the 2026-27 academic year.

This decision was not made lightly but was necessary to ensure Commonwealth University’s long-term sustainability as we adapt to meet both evolving educational demands and accreditation expectations. The decision was based on a comprehensive review and analysis of the operations in Clearfield, including evaluation of enrollment, academic array, physical plant, financial health, and future sustainability.

We understand this decision will affect many in our community. Our priority is to support all Clearfield students, faculty, and staff.

Fall 2025 will be the final semester for students to begin programs at Clearfield. Students enrolled at Clearfield, including those who enroll in Fall 2025, will be able to continue their programs as scheduled. All faculty and staff members will be offered the opportunity to continue their employment at the Lock Haven campus, following the conclusion of operations at Clearfield.

How did we get here?

• Beginning in the Spring of 2024, a comprehensive review and analysis of the Clearfield location was conducted, including evaluation of enrollment, academic array, physical plant, financial health, and future sustainability.
• Despite efforts to stabilize the Clearfield location before and since integration, the analysis revealed no path forward for creating or maintaining financial sustainability.
• In the past five years, the average number of students taking courses at Clearfield (full or part-time, in person and remote) has been 302, and the average annual operating deficit has been more than $1.6M.
• In those five years, the highest enrollment was seen in FY 2019-20 with 395 students taking courses.  However, that year also ended with the highest deficit of $2.1M.
• In FY 2023-24, student enrollment dipped to 212 with an operating deficit of $950k.
• 177 students were taking courses at or through Clearfield this Fall.
• While the operating deficit has decreased annually in the last five years, enrollment has also decreased, down 55% from its five-year high. The unfortunate reality is that the more students enrolled at Clearfield, the larger the deficit. There is simply no path forward to serve students at Clearfield in a way that is financially sustainable now or in the future.

Please know that this decision was not made without taking the time to thoroughly and carefully consider all reasonable options. We understand this isn't easy, and we acknowledge the impact this may have on the Clearfield community. We are committed to supporting our students, faculty, and staff every step of the way in navigating this transition.

Please be assured that the Mansfield, Lock Haven, and Bloomsburg campuses will remain open and are accepting new students for Fall 2025 and beyond. As has been shared extensively, because of our shared vision and commitment, Commonwealth University is on track to balance our budget in fiscal year 2026-27 – just four years since we integrated. And, together, we continue to make amazing progress. As of this fall, new first-year, transfer, and graduate student enrollment is up more than 4% across CU and 13% since integration. Retention of first-time, full-time students has improved by more than 4% since integration to over 77% in Fall 2024.

The Clearfield teaching location will cease operations following the completion of the 2026-27 academic year (May 2027).  Fall 2025 will be the final semester for students to begin at Clearfield.  

This decision follows a comprehensive review and analysis of the operation in Clearfield that included an evaluation of enrollment, academic array, physical plant, financial health, and future sustainability.

Despite efforts to stabilize the Clearfield location before and since integration, the analysis revealed no path forward for creating or maintaining financial sustainability. The unfortunate reality is that the more students enrolled at Clearfield, the larger the deficit. There is simply no path forward to serve students at Clearfield in a way that is financially sustainable now or in the future. 

All currently enrolled PA and ASN students can finish their programs on schedule at the Clearfield location.  

There are 4-year program students who identify Clearfield as their location. However, these students are primarily taking courses remotely and will be offered the opportunity to continue their progress at another CU campus. 

• Students may begin the PA or ASN program in Summer and Fall 2025.  
• Fall 2025 will be the final semester for students to begin at Clearfield.  
• If students do not finish their program by the end of the Spring 2027 semester, CU will work with them on a teach-out plan.

The Clearfield location will continue to admit students for the 2025-26 academic year. Current and summer/fall 2025 start PA and ASN students can finish their scheduled programs at the Clearfield location.

Students wishing to take general education classes offered at the Clearfield location will be able to do so until May 2027. They will then have the opportunity to continue their studies at the Lock Haven campus of CU or at the Bloomsburg or Mansfield campuses.  

All current Clearfield faculty and staff members will be offered the opportunity to continue their employment at CU's Lock Haven campus, following the conclusion of operations at Clearfield. CU is committed to supporting our valued team members during this transition.

Each of the former Universities that were integrated to form Commonwealth University (Bloomsburg University, Lock Haven University and Mansfield University) are considered campuses of Commonwealth University. All offer a broad range of programs and services.  

In accordance with accreditation standards from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, teaching locations, such as Clearfield, deliver courses or parts of programs, but  do not offer the range of services or the degree-conferring authority of a campus.

CU will begin working with the Office of the Chancellor at the Pennsylvania State System to obtain approval from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to sell CU-owned buildings and real estate at the Clearfield location. As has been the case at other CU campuses, we will work with local and state stakeholders through this process.

Interested parties should use the contact information below.  

No. The Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield campuses will continue to accept new students for Fall 2025 and beyond.