Alvernia University vs. CHC

Comparable Facts

Compare Alvernia University in Reading, PA with Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Alvernia University is larger than CHC based on total student enrollment (2,796 students vs. 1,288 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Alvernia University vs. CHC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alvernia University or CHC? 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 Chestnut Hill College than Alvernia University ($28,588 vs. $28,645).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Chestnut Hill College are 18.5% lower than at Alvernia University ($12,600 vs. $15,460).
• Alvernia University is 12.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than CHC (about $5,130 more per year; $45,000.00 vs. $39,870.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.9% higher at Alvernia University than at Chestnut Hill College (about $5,130 more per year; $45,000.00 vs. $39,870.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Alvernia University as at Chestnut Hill College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Chestnut Hill College students is 1.9% larger than aid received by Alvernia University students ($29,590 vs. $29,034).

Alvernia University vs. CHC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Alvernia University (1190) is 190 points higher than at CHC (1000).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alvernia University 1093/1286; Chestnut Hill College 900/1090.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alvernia University - Test optional; CHC - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Alvernia University students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at CHC (3.12).
• CHC has a higher acceptance rate (74.5%) than Alvernia University (58.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.3% at Alvernia University vs. 7.2% at CHC.

Alvernia University vs. CHC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alvernia University and CHC? 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 Chestnut Hill College's (44%).
• Graduates from Chestnut Hill College earn a median of about $500 more per year than Alvernia University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,300 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Chestnut Hill College graduates have a $519 lower median loan debt than Alvernia University graduates ($26,481 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, CHC graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alvernia University graduates ($273 vs. $279).
• More Alvernia University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CHC students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 47%)

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.