Alvernia University

5/10 Overall Rating
4 Year
Reading, PA
4.0 1 review

#47 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania

Overview Admission Cost Majors Diversity Outcomes Salaries Location Compare Reviews Admission Calculator

Overview

Total enrollment

2,796

Location Reading, Pennsylvania
Website alvernia.edu
Type Private 4 Year
Setting Small City
Religious Affiliation Roman Catholic

Size Small
Status Non-profit
Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

Alvernia University is a private Franciscan Catholic institution located in Reading, Pennsylvania, approximately 60 miles northwest of Philadelphia. The main campus spans 191 acres in a suburban setting, featuring a mix of historic and modern buildings, including the newly constructed PLEX (Physical Education, Recreation and Health Sciences Complex). Founded in 1958 by the Bernardine Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, the university began as a teacher training college for the sisters and has evolved into a comprehensive university offering undergraduate and graduate programs. The institution maintains a focus on healthcare, business, and education programs, while also featuring pre-professional tracks in law and medicine. Students are required to live on campus for their first two years, with housing options ranging from traditional residence halls to apartment-style accommodations, and the university competes in NCAA Division III athletics as the Golden Wolves.

See my Chances for Admission

Ratings

Alvernia University is rated within the lower 48% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10.

Overall Rating

5 out of 10
Academics

7 out of 10
Resources

4 out of 10
Outcomes

5 out of 10
Value

3 out of 10

Learn how ratings are calculated

Rankings

Rankings for Alvernia University within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

Best Colleges in the U.S.

#611
Best Private Colleges in the U.S.

#413
Best Colleges in Pennsylvania

#55
Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania

#47
Best Value Colleges in Pennsylvania

#54

Learn how rankings are calculated

Admissions

Admission Standards

Average

SAT (enrolled mid-50) 1093/1286
GPA 3.41

Acceptance Rate

58.1%

Applications Due -
Enrollment Rate 13.3%
Application Fee $0

Applicant Competition Average

Very Low

Low

Average

High

Very High

Extreme

View Admission Requirements

Annual Cost to Attend

Tuition

$45,000

Costs for Alvernia University
Fee		Cost
Tuition		$45,000
Books and Supplies		$1,000
Other Fees		$2,000
Room and Board		$15,460
Budget for Other Expenses		$2,400
Total One Year Cost		$65,860

View Tuition & Financial Aid Details

Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$44,800 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

53% within 6 years

View Post Graduation Outcomes

Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at Alvernia University are Health Professions, Business, and Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting. 33% of students major in Health Professions, 20% in Business, and 11% in Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting.