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Alvernia University

Reading, PA·Private nonprofit·2,152 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

58%
Accept
2,152
Students
$28,138
Net Price
56%
Grad Rate
$47,300
Earnings
10 yr
$27,000
Debt

About This School

Alvernia University is a private nonprofit institution located in Reading, Pennsylvania with approximately 2,152 undergraduate students enrolled. Alvernia University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 58%. The average net price after financial aid is $28,138 per year. The graduation rate is 56%, and the typical graduate earns $47,300 within 10 years of enrollment.

Alvernia University is a private Franciscan university in Reading, Pennsylvania. Founded as Alvernia College in 1958 by the Bernardine Sisters of St. Francis, the school gained university status in 2008.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: a 58% graduation rate and 73% freshman retention suggest a meaningful share of students don't make it to the finish line, which is worth asking about during a campus visit. On the upside, median debt at graduation is a relatively manageable $20,500, and the Franciscan, small-campus environment in Reading may appeal to students who want close faculty relationships and a values-driven community. Worth considering if you're drawn to health professions or social work programs, but go in with a plan to stay engaged — students who thrive here tend to be intentional about it.

Founded
1958
Setting
Small city
Religious Affiliation
Roman Catholic
Avg Faculty Salary
$8,028

Popular Programs

Health Professions54%
Business & Marketing13%
Biological Sciences6%
Education5%
Psychology3%
Communications3%
Social Sciences1%
Visual & Performing Arts0%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

Test Policy: Considered but not required

SAT Scores

Average Composite1170
Reading 75th %ile658
Math 75th %ile628

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$45,000
Out-of-State Tuition
$45,000
Avg Net Price
$28,138
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$23,436
$30–48k$23,701
$48–75k$24,131
$75–110k$28,016
$110k+$32,152

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants36%
Median debt at graduation$27,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
56%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
72%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$47,300
after enrollment
Median Debt
$27,000
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$40,300
Female graduates$37,500

Gap: 7% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$27,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$38,500
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$47,300
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.8x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White61%
Black11%
Hispanic/Latino17%
Asian2%
Two or more races4%
International3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,152 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Alvernia University

400 Saint Bernardine St

Reading, PA 19607-1799

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Pennsylvania

Browse all Pennsylvania schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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