NPRC and Commonwealth University sign academic agreement

WARREN — Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) and Commonwealth University (Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, Mansfield universities) have signed a guaranteed transfer agreement in a ceremony today held at NPRC’s Administrative Center in Warren.

The agreement provides transferability of many NPRC credits to the integrated universities of Commonwealth University. It also includes guaranteed transfer opportunities for specific NPRC associate degrees directly into four CU bachelor’s degree programs with no loss of credit for qualifying students. Additionally, CU will award four tiers of transfer scholarships to NPRC graduates.

Those degrees are:

• Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies into the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies
• Associate of Arts in Social Sciences into the Bachelor of Science in Social Work
• Associate of Science in Business Administration into the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
• Associate of Science in Criminal Justice into the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

“We celebrate a monumental time in the life of NPRC,” noted President Susan Snelick. “The official signing of the academic agreement with the Commonwealth University is the culmination of hard work and dedication of so many. This agreement not only provides opportunities and pathways for our students to continue their educational journey but also exemplifies the quality of our education offerings. This recognition by Commonwealth University is not taken lightly and is one of many steps in NPRC’s long-term growth. We look forward to our partnership with Commonwealth University.”

Commonwealth University President Bashar Hanna also commented on the agreement and what it means for future NPRC and Commonwealth University students.

“We are delighted to collaborate with our colleagues at Northern Pennsylvania Regional College to provide students from NPRC seamless matriculation to Commonwealth University and provide those students with a guaranteed renewable transfer scholarship. True to our mission of educating the students of Pennsylvania and beyond, this agreement is another example of strong partnership in action.”

To support the guaranteed admission for eligible transfer students, scholarships for qualifying students are available. To be eligible, a student must have earned a minimum of 30 NPRC-specific credits and graduated with a GPA of 2.0 or higher. Commonwealth University will award four tiers of transfer scholarships to NPRC graduates. These scholarships may be renewed for up to three academic years if the qualifying GPA is maintained. All agreements become effective for Fall 2022.

The four-tier scholarship amounts are:

• Tier 1: (3.50 GPA or above at NPRC) will award $5,000 annually
• Tier 2: (3.0 – 3.49 GPA at NPRC) will award $4,000 annually
• Tier 3: (2.50 – 2.99 GPA at NPRC) will award $3,000 annually
• Tier 4: (2.0 – 2.49 GPA at NPRC) will award $2,000 annually

An Open House for current NPRC students and alumni eligible under this agreement was held post-signing to allow students the opportunity to learn more about Commonwealth University and the agreement made between the two institutions.