Alvernia University vs. VCU

Comparable Facts

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

Virginia Commonwealth University is larger than Alvernia University based on total student enrollment (28,464 students vs. 2,796 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alvernia University is located in Reading, PA (Small City setting); Virginia Commonwealth University is in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Alvernia University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Commonwealth University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alvernia University 14:1; Virginia Commonwealth University 17:1.

Alvernia University vs. VCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alvernia University or VCU? 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 Virginia Commonwealth University than Alvernia University ($26,836 vs. $28,645).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Alvernia University are 15.3% lower than at Virginia Commonwealth University ($15,460 vs. $18,254).
• Alvernia University is 165.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCU (about $28,055 more per year; $45,000.00 vs. $16,945.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.2% higher at Alvernia University than at Virginia Commonwealth University (about $4,891 more per year; $45,000.00 vs. $40,109.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alvernia University than at Virginia Commonwealth University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alvernia University students is 104.7% larger than aid received by Virginia Commonwealth University students ($29,034 vs. $14,186).

Alvernia University vs. VCU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Alvernia University (1190) is 50 points higher than at VCU (1140).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alvernia University 1093/1286; Virginia Commonwealth University 1010/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsVirginia Commonwealth University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alvernia University - Test optional; VCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCU Jan 18, 2027.
• Accepted freshman VCU students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Alvernia University (3.41).
• VCU has a higher acceptance rate (92.6%) than Alvernia University (58.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.3% at Alvernia University vs. 21.6% at VCU.

Alvernia University vs. VCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• The graduation rate at Alvernia University is the same as at Virginia Commonwealth University (53% vs. 53%).
• Graduates from Virginia Commonwealth University earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than Alvernia University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,500 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Virginia Commonwealth University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Alvernia University graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, VCU graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alvernia University graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More Alvernia University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCU students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 56%)

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.