You have /5 articles left.
Sign up for a free account or log in.
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania is shutting down its campus in Clearfield, citing declining enrollment and financial challenges, officials announced in a statement Tuesday.
Commonwealth University was formed in 2020 amid a consolidation effort that saw Bloomsburg University, Lock Haven University and Mansfield University combine into a single institution. The small Clearfield site, which will close following the 2026–27 academic year, is one of four locations for the public university, which will retain its larger campuses in Bloomsburg, Lock Haven and Mansfield.
Officials pointed to an average annual operating deficit of more than $1.6 million over the last five years with enrollment falling from 395 students in fiscal year 2019–20 to 177 in the fall semester.
“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,” university officials said in the closure announcement. “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.”
While Clearfield has struggled with enrollment, officials noted in the announcement that head count is up 13 percent across the university since the three institutions became one.