Alvernia University
About Alvernia University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Alvernia University is a private Franciscan university in Reading, Pennsylvania. It offers programs in nursing, health sciences, criminal justice, and business, with a focus on community service and a growing campus in the Lehigh Valley region.
Founded
1958
Location
Reading, Pennsylvania
Students
2,756
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
58.1%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
55.5%
Below national average
Tuition
$45,000
Per year
Avg Net Price
$28,138
After financial aid
SAT Average
1170
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$55,055
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
58.1 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Alvernia University accepts 58.1% of applicants and doesn't require standardized tests. Focus on your grades and personal statement, and you have a solid chance.
SAT Scores
1170/ 1600
ACT Scores
20/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
55.5% complete their degree within six years
Retention
72%
4-Year Grad
41%
6-Year Grad
65%
Teaching Quality
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
100%
$/Student
$8.2K
Class Size
Medium
The 41% graduation rate is below average, but 72% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$45,000
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$15,460
Books & Supplies
$1,000
Total Cost of Attendance
$57,565
After Financial Aid
$28,138
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$23,436
Receive Grants
36.2%
Take Loans
82.5%
The total cost of attendance runs about $57,565/yr, including $15,460 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $28,138.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Alvernia University fund their education.
While in School
36.2%
Get Grants
Free money
82.5%
Take Loans
Must repay
$52,761
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$27,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$286/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $27,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $55K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Alvernia University.
Gender
64.5%
Female
36%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,152
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
604
Graduates
45%
First-Gen
24 yrs
Avg Age
18.6%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 65% of the student body. 45% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
2,152
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Doctoral
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Alvernia University fields 15 varsity teams with 609 student athletes, about 28% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III with football
Conference
MAC
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
15
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
609
28% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
60% / 40%
366
Men
243
Women
10
Men's Teams
12
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Alvernia Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$55,055
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$77K
59 grads
1yr Earnings
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
$43K
49 grads
1yr Earnings
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
—
44 grads
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$40K
33 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$53K
31 grads
1yr Earnings
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
$41K
22 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $50K six years out, growing to $55K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Alvernia University
What is the acceptance rate at Alvernia University?▾
How much does Alvernia University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Alvernia University?▾
How much do Alvernia University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.