Alvernia University vs. Cedar Crest College

Comparable Facts

Compare Alvernia University in Reading, PA with Cedar Crest College in Allentown, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Alvernia University is larger than Cedar Crest College based on total student enrollment (2,796 students vs. 1,290 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alvernia University is located in Reading, PA (Small City setting); Cedar Crest College is in Allentown, PA (Midsize City setting).
• Alvernia University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cedar Crest College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alvernia University 14:1; Cedar Crest College 9:1.

Alvernia University vs. Cedar Crest College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alvernia University or Cedar Crest College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Cedar Crest College than Alvernia University ($23,691 vs. $28,645).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cedar Crest College are 13.3% lower than at Alvernia University ($13,406 vs. $15,460).
• Cedar Crest College is 2.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alvernia University (about $1,314 more per year; $46,314.00 vs. $45,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.9% higher at Cedar Crest College than at Alvernia University (about $1,314 more per year; $46,314.00 vs. $45,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alvernia University than at Cedar Crest College (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cedar Crest College students is 14.8% larger than aid received by Alvernia University students ($33,323 vs. $29,034).

Alvernia University vs. Cedar Crest College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alvernia University or Cedar Crest College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Cedar Crest College and Alvernia University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Alvernia University (1190) is 70 points higher than at Cedar Crest College (1120).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alvernia University 1093/1286; Cedar Crest College 1000/1230.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alvernia University - Test optional; Cedar Crest College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Cedar Crest College students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Alvernia University (3.41).
• Cedar Crest College has a higher acceptance rate (84.1%) than Alvernia University (58.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.3% at Alvernia University vs. 13.5% at Cedar Crest College.

Alvernia University vs. Cedar Crest College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alvernia University and Cedar Crest College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Alvernia University's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Cedar Crest College's (50%).
• Graduates from Cedar Crest College earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than Alvernia University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Alvernia University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than Cedar Crest College graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,750).
• Among borrowers, Alvernia University graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cedar Crest College graduates ($279 vs. $286).
• More Alvernia University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cedar Crest College students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 59%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.