Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Reading, Pennsylvania |
| Online | alvernia.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Small City |
| Religious Affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus 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.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Alvernia University is rated within the lower 48% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Alvernia University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#626 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#420 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#54 in Best Colleges in Pennsylvania
#46 in Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania
#55 in Best Value Colleges in Pennsylvania
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1066/1253 |
| GPA | 3.41 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Low |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 |
| Other Fees | $1,750 |
| Room and Board | $15,090 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,500 |
| Total One Year Cost | $61,900 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Health Professions | 33% |
| Business | 20% |
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting | 11% |
| Education | 10% |
| Communication | 5% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Alvernia University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=210775 IPEDS survey data for Alvernia University.
Current students may use the Alvernia University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025