TU vs. Alvernia University

Comparable Facts

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

Towson University is larger than Alvernia University based on total student enrollment (19,401 students vs. 2,796 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

TU vs. Alvernia University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, TU 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 Towson University than Alvernia University ($16,653 vs. $28,645).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Alvernia University are 4.9% lower than at Towson University ($15,460 vs. $16,260).
• Alvernia University is 283.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than TU (about $33,272 more per year; $45,000.00 vs. $11,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 50.9% higher at Alvernia University than at Towson University (about $15,180 more per year; $45,000.00 vs. $29,820.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alvernia University than at Towson University (100% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alvernia University students is 145.6% larger than aid received by Towson University students ($29,034 vs. $11,820).

TU vs. Alvernia University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, TU 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 TU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Alvernia University (1190) is 100 points higher than at TU (1090).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Towson University 950/1235; Alvernia University 1093/1286.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Towson University 19/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: TU - Test optional; Alvernia University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: TU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman TU students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at Alvernia University (3.41).
• TU has a higher acceptance rate (82%) than Alvernia University (58.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at TU vs. 13.3% at Alvernia University.

TU vs. Alvernia University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for TU 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).

• Towson University's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Alvernia University's (53%).
• Graduates from Towson University earn a median of about $8,700 more per year than Alvernia University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,500 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Towson University graduates have a $9,250 lower median loan debt than Alvernia University graduates ($17,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, TU graduates have an estimated $96 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alvernia University graduates ($183 vs. $279).
• More TU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alvernia University students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.