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Alvernia University

Alvernia University

Reading, PA · City · 2,152 students
WebsiteCommon AppScorecard
Application deadlines: Check the admissions site
$28,138
Average net priceYour net price
2023-24
<30
30–48
48–75
75–110
110+
By household income — tap a bar
57%
Graduation rate
Entered fall 2017 & 2018
58% typical
$55,055
Earnings 10 years on
Measured 2020 & 2021
$55,545 typical
58%
Acceptance rate
Applied for fall 2024
81% typical · not scored
Accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education
About

Guided by its Franciscan heritage, Alvernia University in Reading, Pennsylvania, is best known for its deep commitment to community service and its exceptional professional programs, particularly in nursing, occupational therapy, and business. On its welcoming campus, students experience a tight-knit, values-based culture enriched by NCAA Division III athletics, active student organizations, and integrated service-learning projects that connect classroom theory with real-world advocacy. What truly sets Alvernia apart is its innovative "Reading CollegeTowne" initiative, a downtown campus expansion that serves as an entrepreneurial hub, offering students unique opportunities for hands-on internships, local business partnerships, and career-focused learning.

Wikipedia:Alvernia University is a private Franciscan university in Reading, Pennsylvania. Founded as Alvernia College in 1958 by the Bernardine Sisters of St. Francis, the school gained university status in 2008.

Location
Reading, PA, 19607-1799 · City campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
ABE · Lehigh Valley
35 mi away
Open in Google Maps
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
These figures are federal data and may be out of date.
YoursEveryone
Tuition & fees$45,000
Housing & food (on campus)$15,460
Books & supplies$1,000
Cost of attendance$57,565
Average net price$28,138
Same price for all students
Tuition & fees$45,000
Housing & food (on campus)$15,460
Books & supplies$1,000
Cost of attendance$57,565
Average net price$28,138
Net price by family income · 2023-24
$0–30k
$23,436
$30–48k
$23,701
$48–75k
$24,131
$75–110k
$28,016
$110k+
$32,152
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
57%
Entered 2017–18
Within 4 yrs
39%
Back for yr 2
72%
Transferred
32%
8 yrs after starting · first-time, full-time students
65% graduated · 29% transferred · 5% left or unknown · none still enrolled
Earnings · measured 2020 & 2021
6 yrs after entry$49,938
10 yrs after entry$55,055
Debt
Median at graduation$27,000
Monthly payment$286
Middle 50% owe$9.5k–$31k
90th percentile$40,999
Admissions
Getting in · applied for fall 2024
Admit rate
58%
Test policy
Test optional
Per College Scorecard
SAT average
1170
R 570–658 · M 523–628
SAT middle 50%: 1093–1286
40080012001600

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Essay prompts

If Alvernia University asks for supplemental essays, the prompts are in the Common App.

The personal essay is separate: see the Common App essay prompts.

Student Body
Gender
Men 36%Women 65%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
14 : 1
Pell grant
36%
First-gen
45%
Family income
$52,761
Independent
37%
Age at entry
24.0
Part-time
19%
Race & ethnicity
White
61%
Hispanic
17%
Black
11%
Asian
2%
Two or more
4%
Non-resident
3%
Unknown
3%
Varsity sports
NCAA Division III with football · EADA 2024-25
  • Baseball
    Men's
  • Basketball
    Men's · Women's
  • Bowling
    Women's
  • Equestrian
    Women's
  • Field Hockey
    Women's
  • Football
    Men's
  • Golf
    Men's · Women's
  • Ice Hockey
    Men's · Women's
  • Lacrosse
    Men's · Women's
  • Soccer
    Men's · Women's
  • Softball
    Women's
  • Tennis
    Men's
  • Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)
    Men's · Women's
  • Volleyball
    Women's
  • Wrestling
    Men's · Women's
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings, all programs · measured 2020 & 2021
After 6 yrs
$49,938
After 10 yrs
$55,055
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing59
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General49
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other44
Criminal Justice and Corrections33
Business Administration, Management and Operations31
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions22
Psychology, General18
Social Work17
Accounting and Related Services14
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness13
Finance and Financial Management Services13
Biology, General11
Marketing9
Communication and Media Studies8
Special Education and Teaching8
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods7
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$18M
Full-time faculty
100%
Faculty salary
$8,028/mo
Teaching spend
$8,245
per student
Federal loans
83%
Classification
Carnegie type
Doctoral/Professional University
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, selective admissions

Wondering if Alvernia University is the right fit for you?

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Financial aid & net cost estimates
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