Private nonprofit Institution

Alvernia University — Reading, Pennsylvania

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Annual Tuition $42,810

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 62.3%

Moderately Open

Enrollment 2,042

Active Students

Avg. Salary $55,055

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Reading, Pennsylvania

Institution type Private nonprofit

Accreditation Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Founded 1/1/1967

Academic Mission & Environment

"Alvernia University stands as a pillar of higher education in Reading, providing a robust academic foundation for 2,042 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Alvernia University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Alvernia University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Health Professions

56.1%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing

12.9%

Enrollment Share

Security & Law Enforcement

Enrollment Share

Psychology

3.8%

Enrollment Share

Public Admin

3.8%

Enrollment Share

Education

3.3%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Security & Law Enforcement College

The Security & Law Enforcement program provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Public Admin College

The Public Admin program at Alvernia University provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Alvernia University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 62.3%

Difficulty Low

Alvernia University maintains an acceptance rate of 62.3%, reflecting its status as a moderately open institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 36.9%

Women Enrollment 63.1%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT

ACT

SAT Reading 528 - 620

SAT Mathematics 538 - 633

Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Alvernia University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $42,810

Out-of-State Tuition $42,810

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 33.7%

Median Student Debt $27,000

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $42,810, graduates see a median starting salary of $55,055, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Pennsylvania.

What salary can Alvernia University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $55,055

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 58.5%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $28,329

Median Salary (6yr) $49,938

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Alvernia University in Reading?

2,042 Students

Gender Comparison

36.9% Men

63.1% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

72.6%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.2%

Asian

1.5%

Black

10.4%

White

61.1%

Unknown

Hispanic

15.3%

Two or More Races

3.2%

International

4.3%

Campus Demographics

🎂

Avg. Age at Entry 24

🎓

First-Generation 45%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 53.4%

💍

Married Students 11%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$60,334
Average Family Income	$68,130
Median Family Income	$52,761

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

40.2%

59.8%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Reading Campus Environment

Located at 400 Saint Bernardine St, Alvernia University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Pennsylvania. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does Alvernia University compare?

Direct Comparison Alvernia University vs Albright College →

Direct Comparison Alvernia University vs Empire Beauty School-Reading →

Direct Comparison Alvernia University vs Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks →

Direct Comparison Alvernia University vs Reading Area Community College →

Common Questions about Alvernia University

Is Alvernia University a good college in Reading, Pennsylvania?

Alvernia University is a recognized institution in Reading with an enrollment of 2,042 students. It is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education and offers a robust ROI for students in Pennsylvania based on Department of Education data.

Is Alvernia University worth attending in 2026?

Yes, Alvernia University offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $55,055. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.

How much does Alvernia University cost for Pennsylvania residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Alvernia University is approximately $42,810. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $42,810. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of Alvernia University after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending Alvernia University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 53.4% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is Alvernia University good for Health Professions and Business & Marketing programs?

Alvernia University is highly regarded for its Health Professions and Business & Marketing programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.

What career can I get after attending Alvernia University?

Graduates of Alvernia University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Health Professions. With a median salary of $55,055, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for Alvernia University?

Alvernia University operates with a Moderately Open policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.

Does Alvernia University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

No, Alvernia University follows a test-optional approach for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.

What salary can Alvernia University graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of Alvernia University earn a median salary of $55,055 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is Alvernia University a good investment compared to other PA colleges?

Alvernia University stands out as a high-value investment in Pennsylvania. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.

Where is Alvernia University located and what is the campus like?

Alvernia University is located at 400 Saint Bernardine St in Reading, PA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 2,042 learners.

Who typically attends Alvernia University in Reading, PA?

The student body at Alvernia University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 45% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: Pennsylvania

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Alvernia University with other leading institutions in Pennsylvania across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

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