Alvernia University vs. Chatham

Comparable Facts

Compare Alvernia University in Reading, PA with Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Alvernia University is larger than Chatham based on total student enrollment (2,796 students vs. 2,309 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alvernia University is located in Reading, PA (Small City setting); Chatham University is in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting).
• Alvernia University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Chatham University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alvernia University 14:1; Chatham University 10:1.

Alvernia University vs. Chatham Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alvernia University or Chatham? 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 Alvernia University than Chatham ($28,645 vs. $31,280).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Chatham University are 12% lower than at Alvernia University ($13,600 vs. $15,460).
• Alvernia University is 0.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Chatham (about $374 more per year; $45,000.00 vs. $44,626.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.8% higher at Alvernia University than at Chatham University (about $374 more per year; $45,000.00 vs. $44,626.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Alvernia University as at Chatham University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Chatham University students is 3.7% larger than aid received by Alvernia University students ($30,095 vs. $29,034).

Alvernia University vs. Chatham Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alvernia University or Chatham? 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 Chatham and Alvernia University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Alvernia University (1190) is 10 points higher than at Chatham (1180).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alvernia University 1093/1286; Chatham University 1070/1295.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsChatham University 21/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alvernia University - Test optional; Chatham - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Chatham students have a 0.45 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Alvernia University (3.41).
• Chatham has a higher acceptance rate (62%) than Alvernia University (58.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.3% at Alvernia University vs. 12.7% at Chatham.

Alvernia University vs. Chatham Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alvernia University and Chatham? 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).

• Chatham University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Alvernia University's (53%).
• Graduates from Alvernia University earn a median of about $8,100 more per year than Chatham graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Chatham University graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Alvernia University graduates ($20,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Chatham graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alvernia University graduates ($211 vs. $279).
• More Chatham graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alvernia University students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 61%)

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.