Alvernia University vs. VMI

Comparable Facts

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

Alvernia University is larger than VMI based on total student enrollment (2,796 students vs. 1,527 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alvernia University is located in Reading, PA (Small City setting); Virginia Military Institute is in Lexington, VA (Distant Rural setting).
• Alvernia University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Military Institute is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alvernia University 14:1; Virginia Military Institute 9:1.

Alvernia University vs. VMI Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alvernia University or VMI? 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 Military Institute than Alvernia University ($18,825 vs. $28,645).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Virginia Military Institute are 26.8% lower than at Alvernia University ($11,310 vs. $15,460).
• Alvernia University is 113.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than VMI (about $23,954 more per year; $45,000.00 vs. $21,046.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17% higher at VMI than at Alvernia University (about $7,638 more per year; $52,638.00 vs. $45,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alvernia University than at Virginia Military Institute (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alvernia University students is 21.9% larger than aid received by Virginia Military Institute students ($29,034 vs. $23,821).

Alvernia University vs. VMI Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Alvernia University (1190) is 30 points higher than at VMI (1160).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alvernia University 1093/1286; Virginia Military Institute 1050/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsVirginia Military Institute 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alvernia University - Test optional; VMI - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VMI Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman VMI students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Alvernia University (3.41).
• VMI has a higher acceptance rate (71.2%) than Alvernia University (58.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.3% at Alvernia University vs. 31.7% at VMI.

Alvernia University vs. VMI Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Virginia Military Institute's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Alvernia University's (53%).
• Graduates from Virginia Military Institute earn a median of about $17,300 more per year than Alvernia University graduates about ten years after starting college ($62,100 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Virginia Military Institute graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Alvernia University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, VMI graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alvernia University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More VMI graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alvernia University students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.