Alvernia University vs. SU

Comparable Facts

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

Alvernia University is larger than SU based on total student enrollment (2,796 students vs. 1,440 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alvernia University is located in Reading, PA (Small City setting); Southwestern University is in Georgetown, TX (Distant Town setting).
• Alvernia University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southwestern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alvernia University 14:1; Southwestern University 11:1.

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 Alvernia University than SU ($28,645 vs. $32,228).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southwestern University are 2.5% lower than at Alvernia University ($15,072 vs. $15,460).
• Southwestern University is 19.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alvernia University (about $8,813 more per year; $53,813.00 vs. $45,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.6% higher at SU than at Alvernia University (about $8,813 more per year; $53,813.00 vs. $45,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alvernia University than at Southwestern University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southwestern University students is 21.1% larger than aid received by Alvernia University students ($35,162 vs. $29,034).

Alvernia University vs. SU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alvernia University or SU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between SU and Alvernia University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Southwestern University (1220) is 30 points higher than at Alvernia University (1190).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Alvernia University 1093/1286; Southwestern University 1130/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresSouthwestern University 26/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alvernia University - Test optional; SU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SU Feb 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman SU students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Alvernia University (3.41).
• Alvernia University has a higher acceptance rate (58.1%) than SU (43.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.3% at Alvernia University vs. 13.8% at SU.

Alvernia University vs. SU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alvernia University and SU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Southwestern University's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Alvernia University's (53%).
• Graduates from Southwestern University earn a median of about $12,600 more per year than Alvernia University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southwestern University graduates have a $107 lower median loan debt than Alvernia University graduates ($26,893 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SU graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alvernia University graduates ($278 vs. $279).
• More SU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alvernia University students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.