Commonwealth University PA Program: Requirements, Tuition & Stats

• More forgiving on GPA: The average accepted overall GPA (3.3) is in the lower quarter nationally, which makes this a realistic target for applicants whose numbers are the weakest part of their file.

• Faster to practice: At 24 months, this program is shorter than most. That means less tuition and earlier income, but a denser schedule with little slack.

• Lower cost: In-state tuition of $61,561 is in the least expensive quarter of PA programs. Over a career that difference is real money.

• Residency matters: Out-of-state tuition ($87,076) runs 41% above in-state. If you can establish residency, this program gets substantially cheaper.

• Stricter prerequisite grades: A minimum of B in prerequisites is tougher than the typical C. Recheck your transcript before you invest in the application.

Commonwealth University is located in Pennsylvania. The details below come straight from the program and are re-checked on a rolling basis.

At a glance

• Location: Pennsylvania

• Institution type: Public

• Program length: 24 months

• Class size: 48 students

• Start month: May

• Application deadline: November

• In-state tuition: $61,561

• Out-of-state tuition: $87,076

• Average overall GPA: 3.3

• Average science GPA: 3.3

• Minimum overall GPA: 3

• Minimum science GPA: 3

• Minimum PCE hours: 400 hours

• Letters of recommendation: 3

• First-time PANCE pass rate: 92%

• Accreditation status: Continued

Admission requirements

• GRE: Yes

• PA-CAT: No

• CASPer: No

• TOEFL (international applicants): Yes

• Shadowing: No

• Letters of recommendation: 3: At least one recommendation from a current or former PA-C is preferred.

• Patient care experience: 400 hours minimum

• Interview format: "Personal" interview

Prerequisites

• Minimum prerequisite grade: B

• Prerequisite expiration: Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology courses must be completed within 5 years of matriculation. No time limitations on other prerequisite coursework.

• AP or CLEP credit accepted: Yes

• Pass/Fail coursework accepted: No

• Online coursework accepted: Yes

Required coursework

• 2 Courses of General Chemistry

• 1 Course of Organic Chemistry (at least 3 credits)

• 2 Courses of Biology or Zoology

• Human Anatomy

• Human Physiology

• Human Genetics

• Microbiology

• Statistics

Recommended: Science courses with labs are preferred. Additional higher-level science courses including but not limited to biochemistry, physics, immunology, neurobiology, advanced biology courses.

Cost

• In-state tuition: $61,561

• Out-of-state tuition: $87,076

Want to compare your stats to this program? Pre-PA Bestie is a free, always-updated PA program database where you can save schools and see how your numbers line up. Check out Pre-PA Bestie.

• Program website: Commonwealth University

• Admissions page: Admissions information

• Prerequisite details: Prerequisite coursework

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone: 814-768-3628

• Address: 201 University Drive, Physician Assistant Program, Clearfield, PA 16830

Program information last verified July 6, 2026. Requirements change, always confirm directly with the program before applying.