Meredith vs. Alvernia University

Comparable Facts

Compare Meredith College in Raleigh, NC with Alvernia University in Reading, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Alvernia University is larger than Meredith based on total student enrollment (2,796 students vs. 1,465 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Meredith vs. Alvernia University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Meredith or Alvernia University? 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 Meredith College than Alvernia University ($24,323 vs. $28,645).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Meredith College are 14.1% lower than at Alvernia University ($13,280 vs. $15,460).
• Meredith College is 1.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alvernia University (about $630 more per year; $45,630.00 vs. $45,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.4% higher at Meredith than at Alvernia University (about $630 more per year; $45,630.00 vs. $45,000.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Meredith College as at Alvernia University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Meredith College students is 14.1% larger than aid received by Alvernia University students ($33,116 vs. $29,034).

Meredith vs. Alvernia University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Meredith College (1220) is 30 points higher than at Alvernia University (1190).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Meredith College 1098/1348; Alvernia University 1093/1286.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Meredith College 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Meredith - Test optional; Alvernia University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Meredith Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Meredith students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Alvernia University (3.41).
• Meredith has a higher acceptance rate (74.2%) than Alvernia University (58.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.5% at Meredith vs. 13.3% at Alvernia University.

Meredith vs. Alvernia University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Meredith College's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Alvernia University's (53%).
• Graduates from Alvernia University earn a median of about $4,800 more per year than Meredith graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Meredith College graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Alvernia University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Meredith graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alvernia University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Meredith graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alvernia University students, three years after graduation. (65% 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.