Commonwealth University-Lock Haven begins new academic year with an increase in applications and incoming class size

Commonwealth University-Lock Haven has begun the 2024-25 academic year with enrollment increases in several areas since last fall including incoming class size, overall applications, transfer students and graduate students.

CU-Lock Haven saw a 10% increase in the size of its incoming first year class this fall, with over 50 more students enrolled over last year. Overall applications are up nearly 10% and enrolled transfer students are up more than 7%. Lock Haven has also experienced a large increase in graduate student enrollment with a near 45% increase over last fall. 

“The consistent growth Commonwealth University is demonstrating as it enters its third year as an integrated institution is yet another promising data point for our future. Providing continued opportunities for an affordable, quality education that will prepare our students for successful careers following graduation from CU is something we are very proud to offer our students,” said John Wetzel, CU Council of Trustees chair.” 

Commonwealth University, now in its third academic year following the integration of Bloomsburg, Lock Haven and Mansfield universities, is showing positive growth in new students across all campuses. Overall new student enrollment is up across the university’s campuses (Bloomsburg, Clearfield, Lock Haven and Mansfield) by 3% from last fall and up almost 13% since integrating in 2022. First time transfer student headcount across CU also improved this fall, opening the semester with 435 new transfers, nearly 44 more than last year. Graduate enrollment has seen a more than 19% growth in news students, seating close to 600 first time graduate students – 16% more than last year.

“The rise we have seen in enrollment and the strength of our incoming class of students demonstrates Commonwealth University’s commitment to providing an educational experience rich with opportunity, that is both affordable and accessible for students and families across Pennsylvania. In the coming year we will continue to prioritize the student experience and continue to expand experiential learning opportunities that provide our students with impactful, real-world skills,” said Bashar W. Hanna, Commonwealth University president.  

This year’s incoming first-year class across all Commonwealth University campuses includes students from throughout Pennsylvania as well as students from as far away as Texas, California, Florida and South Carolina. The class includes more than 270 new honor students.