News Summary
SUNY Corning Community College and Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania have announced a new transfer scholarship agreement that simplifies the transition for students. Graduates of SUNY Corning will receive direct entry with full junior status and potential merit scholarships of up to $4,500 annually. The initiative aims to ease credit transfer and help students save time and money while pursuing their bachelor’s degrees across Commonwealth University’s three campuses.
Corning, N.Y.
SUNY Corning Community College and Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania have recently announced a significant transfer scholarship agreement designed to create a clear and affordable path for students to earn a bachelor’s degree. This enhanced partnership streamlines the transfer process, guaranteeing direct entry and offering substantial merit scholarships for SUNY Corning Community College graduates to any of Commonwealth University’s three campuses. The agreement aims to help students save both time and money as they pursue their higher education and career aspirations.
Enhanced Transfer Opportunities
Under the newly established agreement, graduates of SUNY Corning Community College will be granted direct entry into Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania with full junior status. This seamless transition is available for students intending to enroll at the Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, or Mansfield campuses. The partnership is set to span a five-year term, from 2025 through October 2030, ensuring long-term benefits for students.
The core of this agreement is the provision of annual, renewable merit scholarships. Eligible SUNY Corning Community College students can receive up to $4,500 per year. The scholarship amounts vary based on a student’s grade point average (GPA) and whether they choose to live on campus or off campus. Students who achieve a GPA of 3.5 or higher and opt to reside in a residence hall are eligible for the maximum scholarship amount of $4,500.
Scholarship Tiers Based on GPA:
- For a GPA of 3.50 or higher: $4,500 for residence hall living, or $3,000 for off-campus living.
- For a GPA between 3.00 and 3.49: $3,500 for residence hall living, or $2,500 for off-campus living.
- For a GPA between 2.50 and 2.99: $2,500 for residence hall living, or $2,000 for off-campus living.
- For a GPA between 2.00 and 2.49: $1,500 for residence hall living, or $1,000 for off-campus living.
Streamlining the Transfer Process
The partnership emphasizes maximizing the transfer of credits from an associate degree earned at SUNY Corning Community College, which helps reduce obstacles for students and supports them in completing a bachelor’s degree at Commonwealth University. This is further aided by innovative credit transfer tools, such as the Transfer Equivalency Self-Service (TESS). TESS allows students to easily determine how their credits will apply toward their intended bachelor’s degree program at Commonwealth University.
Commonwealth University, a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), offers a wide array of over 80 diverse undergraduate and graduate programs across its Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield campuses. Known for having some of the lowest tuition rates in Pennsylvania, Commonwealth University provides an accessible higher education option.
Application Information
For students interested in fall enrollment, the application and all official transcripts must be submitted by June 1, and deposit fees are due by July 1. For spring enrollment, the application and transcripts should be submitted by December 15, with deposit fees due by January 1.
This agreement builds upon SUNY Corning Community College’s established commitment to facilitating student transfers to four-year institutions. The college has a history of developing articulation agreements, which are formal pacts with other colleges and universities that ensure a seamless credit transfer process and guaranteed admission for students who meet specific criteria. For example, SUNY Corning Community College has similar transfer agreements with institutions like SUNY Oswego and Elmira College, demonstrating its dedication to providing clear pathways for its graduates to continue their academic journeys. These partnerships empower students by removing financial and logistical barriers, allowing them to confidently pursue advanced degrees and enhance their career prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the new agreement between SUNY Corning Community College and Commonwealth University?
- The new agreement is a transfer scholarship agreement that streamlines the transfer process for SUNY Corning Community College graduates to Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, offering direct entry and merit scholarships.
- Which campuses of Commonwealth University are included in the agreement?
- The agreement includes the Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield campuses of Commonwealth University.
- What are the scholarship amounts available?
- Eligible SUNY Corning Community College students may receive annual, renewable merit scholarships of up to $4,500. Specific amounts depend on GPA and residency choice.
- What GPA is required for the maximum scholarship?
- Students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher who live on campus are eligible for the maximum scholarship amount of $4,500.
- What are the benefits of this transfer agreement?
- Benefits include direct entry with full junior status, maximizing transfer of credits, saving time and money, and access to innovative credit transfer tools like TESS.
- What is the duration of this agreement?
- The transfer scholarship agreement will span a term of five years, from 2025 through October 2030.
- When are the application deadlines for fall enrollment?
- For fall enrollment, applications and transcripts must be submitted by June 1, and deposit fees are due by July 1.
Key Features of the Transfer Scholarship Agreement
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Participating Institutions | SUNY Corning Community College and Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania |
| Commonwealth University Campuses | Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, Mansfield |
| Student Entry Status | Direct entry with full junior status for SUNY CCC graduates |
| Maximum Scholarship Amount | Up to $4,500 annually |
| Eligibility for Max Scholarship | GPA of 3.5 or higher and living on campus |
| Agreement Duration | Five years (2025 through October 2030) |
| Credit Transfer Tool | Transfer Equivalency Self-Service (TESS) |
| Fall Enrollment Application Deadline | Applications and transcripts by June 1, deposits by July 1 |
| Spring Enrollment Application Deadline | Applications and transcripts by December 15, deposits by January 1 |
| Overall Benefit | Streamlined process, saves time and money, maximizes credit transfer |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Partnership Enhances Educational Pathways for Students
Quakers Poised for Fifth Consecutive GEC Gymnastics Title
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
