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Alvernia University

Reading, Pennsylvania 19607-1799

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Data last updated: May 29, 2026

Campus Vibe

Health sciencesUrban

Known for health sciences

Alvernia University is a private institution in Reading with particular strength in health sciences and business. With an average SAT of 1160, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A mid-sized campus of 2K undergraduates with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.

58% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $55,055 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $28,329.

Established
1958
Motto
Latin: Doceat Christus vos facere.
Mascot
Golden Wolves
Type
Private university
Division
Division III

Campus Visits

46 upcoming visits · Next: Fri, May 29 · Campus Tour

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62%Acceptance
1160SAT Avg
2,042Students
12:1Student:Faculty
58%Grad Rate
$55,055Earnings 10yr
$28,329Net Price

Admissions

Acceptance Rate62.3%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1160

Reading & Writing
528620
Math
538633

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition$42,810
Room & Board$15,090
Books & Supplies$1,500
Total Cost of Attendance$54,650
Average Net Price$28,329
Median Debt at Graduation$27,000
Monthly Payment (10yr)$286

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$27,979
$30–48K$27,001
$48–75K$26,381
$75–110K$27,019
$110K+$30,036

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.

Debt & Aid Detail

Net Price Trend

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

18.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

5.0%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$20,500

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

16

Peer Average

13

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones

Incident Breakdown (2024)

4

Burglary

1

Aggravated Assault

1

Robbery

1

Motor Vehicle Theft

2

Sex Offenses

0

Arson

4

Drug Arrests

3

Liquor Arrests

Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).

Programs (60)

Student Life

Student Satisfaction

Retention Rate

73%

Mixed

Student Body

Undergrads
2,042
Gender Split
63% / 37%
Women / Men
First Generation
45%
Pell Grant Recipients
34%

Race & Ethnicity

White 61%
Black 10%
Hispanic 15%
Asian 2%
Two+ 3%
Int'l 4%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate58.5%
Freshman Retention72.6%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$49,938
10 Years$55,055

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.

More About This School

History & Fun Facts

  • History Alvernia University was founded in 1958 by the Bernardine Sisters of the Third Order of St.
  • Francis first as college for the sisters and then as a four-year liberal arts college.
  • Many of the college's renovated classrooms and offices had been used for elementary and secondary education before 1958.
  • The college's first building, Francis Hall, was built in 1926 and originally housed an orphanage.
  • Alvernia received its charter from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1960 and was first accredited in 1967 by the Commission of Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

105Above Average

Estimated from PA state average + city premium

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 30"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Philadelphiapop. 1.6M
48 mi(83 min)
New Yorkpop. 8.3M
105 mi(182 min)
Pittsburghpop. 300K
214 mi(371 min)

Getting There

Nearest Airports

ABE Lehigh Valley35 mi
MDT Harrisburg44 mi
PHL Philadelphia PHL48 mi

Distance to Cities

Boston, MA290 mi · ~8h 23m drive
New York, NY105 mi · ~3h 2m drive
Hartford, CT198 mi · ~5h 43m drive
Providence, RI258 mi · ~7h 27m drive
Albany, NY197 mi · ~5h 41m drive
Syracuse, NY189 mi · ~5h 28m drive
Rochester, NY215 mi · ~6h 13m drive
Buffalo, NY234 mi · ~6h 46m drive
Philadelphia, PA48 mi · ~1h 23m drive
Pittsburgh, PA214 mi · ~6h 11m drive
Harrisburg, PA50 mi · ~1h 27m drive
Newark, NJ97 mi · ~2h 48m drive
Trenton, NJ63 mi · ~1h 49m drive
Southern (moderate winters, warm summers)

Deadline Calendar

Alvernia University Application Checklist

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