Alvernia University vs. SU

Comparable Facts

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

Shenandoah University is larger than Alvernia University based on total student enrollment (4,454 students vs. 2,796 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alvernia University is located in Reading, PA (Small City setting); Shenandoah University is in Winchester, VA (Small City setting).
• Alvernia University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shenandoah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alvernia University 14:1; Shenandoah University 12:1.

Alvernia University vs. SU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alvernia University or SU? 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 Shenandoah University than Alvernia University ($27,181 vs. $28,645).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shenandoah University are 19.2% lower than at Alvernia University ($12,490 vs. $15,460).
• Alvernia University is 21.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than SU (about $8,050 more per year; $45,000.00 vs. $36,950.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.8% higher at Alvernia University than at Shenandoah University (about $8,050 more per year; $45,000.00 vs. $36,950.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Alvernia University as at Shenandoah University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alvernia University students is 17.3% larger than aid received by Shenandoah University students ($29,034 vs. $24,747).

Alvernia University vs. SU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Alvernia University (1190) is 70 points higher than at SU (1120).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alvernia University 1093/1286; Shenandoah University 1010/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsShenandoah University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alvernia University - Test optional; SU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: SU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SU students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Alvernia University (3.41).
• SU has a higher acceptance rate (77%) than Alvernia University (58.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.3% at Alvernia University vs. 16.7% at SU.

Alvernia University vs. SU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alvernia University and SU? 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 Shenandoah University's (45%).
• Graduates from Shenandoah University earn a median of about $3,500 more per year than Alvernia University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shenandoah University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Alvernia University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alvernia University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Alvernia University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SU students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 60%)

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.