Teach in NEPA
The Best Pathway To A Debt-Free College Education
The Most Affordable Education Degree in Pennsylvania
With LCCC's tuition at $6,600 per year and Commonwealth University's tuition at $7,716 per year, earn your bachelor's degree in Education for just $28,632 - the most affordable pathway to a debt-free college education in Pennsylvania.
GO HERE. GRADUATE HERE. TEACH HERE.
Starting Fall 2025, Luzerne County Community College (LCCC), Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania (CU), and Hazleton Area School District (HASD) are joining forces to address Pennsylvania's critical teacher shortage with an innovative local education pipeline.
A Seamless Education Journey Without Leaving Hazleton
- Start at LCCC - Earn your Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Early Childhood Education
- Continue with CU - Transfer seamlessly with guaranteed junior status to CU's PK-4 Early Childhood Education program
- Study Locally - Complete your bachelor's degree with in-person and online courses at the LCCC Hazleton Center
- Train Locally - Gain hands-on experience through HASD student teaching opportunities
- Work Locally - Access employment opportunities at HASD following graduation
Key Benefits
- Stay in Hazleton from associate degree through bachelor's degree and employment
- Save thousands with the most affordable education degree in Pennsylvania
- Earn over $2 million throughout your teaching career
- Start early while still in high school
- Graduate faster with our seamless transfer pathway
RESPONDING TO PENNSYLVANIA'S TEACHER SHORTAGE
Pennsylvania currently faces over 5,500 teacher vacancies while fewer students pursue education degrees and record numbers of teachers leave the profession.
State Support for Education Students
- $10,000 stipends for eligible student teachers through the $20 million Education Pipeline Grant (Act 33 of 2023)
- Guaranteed junior status for community college graduates at all PASSHE universities (Act 69 of 2024)
- 60-credit limit for bachelor's completion after associate degree (College Affordability & Transparency Act)
A PROVEN PARTNERSHIP FOR STUDENT SUCCESS
LCCC and Commonwealth University have partnered for decades with exceptional results:
- 352 Luzerne students transferred to CU in the past 5 years
- LCCC students achieve a 70.5% four-year graduation rate at CU - the highest of any transfer group
- Our "Grow Your Own" educational model prepares and retains teachers locally
For the first time in history, students can earn both associate and bachelor's degrees in education without ever leaving Hazleton - creating a direct pipeline from education to employment in our community.
EARN YOUR TEACHING DEGREE FOR UNDER $30,000
START YOUR JOURNEY TODAY
Contact our admissions team to learn more about beginning your affordable pathway to a teaching career.