About Alvernia University
Alvernia University was founded in 1958 by the Bernardine Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis. Through its main campus in Reading and locations in Philadelphia and Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, the university serves 3,000 students of diverse backgrounds from around the country. Classes start every 8 weeks.
Alvernia offers a unique blend of rigorous liberal arts core education for development of the mind, strong technical training in many high demand majors, experiential learning through study abroad and internship experiences, and engagement with the community through our Franciscan-based community service model.
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Accreditation & Licensing
Alvernia University is accredited by:
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Roman CatholicGraduate Enrollment:
509Fully Online Graduate Students:
30%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$27,000Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
87%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$24,690Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesAlvernia’s timeline is built around short terms. Online terms run seven weeks, with two terms per semester, and classes start every eight weeks. That creates frequent entry points and a steady pace for students returning to school.
Transfer policy also supports completion planning. Bachelor’s pathways allow up to 75 transfer credits, and graduate or certification pathways allow up to six transfer credits. The school’s small-class, discussion-centered learning style can help students stay engaged term to term, which matters for finishing on schedule.
At Alvernia, support feels personal and easy to find. Staff and faculty are known for being kind, clear, and ready to help. Professors keep an open-door approach, so students can speak up and get guidance when they need it.
Help goes beyond class. Students can use tutoring, resume support, career services, and campus job options. Day to day, people are a real strength here. If a process gets confusing, direct email contact often helps solve issues quickly.
Alvernia offers fully online programs with several start dates during the year. New classes begin every 8 weeks, so students can start on a steady timeline.
Online courses are built for real contact with instructors. Classes may meet live or run on a flexible schedule. The learning format feels smaller and discussion-based, not like a large lecture.
This structure works well for students who want regular teacher support and a clear pace from start to finish.
At Alvernia, classes are small and built around discussion. Lessons often feel like real conversations, not long lectures. Professors are approachable and care about student progress. Students are known by name and treated as people, not numbers.
The school has a close community where people know each other well. In some graduate courses, students complete major projects in assigned groups. That adds teamwork to the workload and helps build practical skills. Overall, Alvernia offers a personal learning experience with direct teaching and strong connections.
Alvernia is people-first in the classroom. Classes are small and discussion-based. Professors know students by name. Students are not lost in big lectures.
Faculty and staff are caring and engaged. Support is practical, not just friendly. Tutoring and career help are part of the experience. Resume support and student job options add value.
This school fits learners who want close contact and regular interaction. The experience is not identical in every setting. Some students report admin mix-ups. Follow-up emails can be part of the process. Overall, Alvernia is a solid choice for relationship-driven learning.
Alvernia is people-first in the classroom. Classes are small and discussion-based. Professors know students by name. Students are not lost in big lectures.
Faculty and staff are caring and engaged. Support is practical, not just friendly. Tutoring and career help are part of the experience. Resume support and student job options add value.
This school fits learners who want close contact and regular interaction. The experience is not identical in every setting. Some students report admin mix-ups. Follow-up emails can be part of the process. Overall, Alvernia is a solid choice for relationship-driven learning.
Online Programs offered by Alvernia University
All Programs
Business
Computer Science & IT
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
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Frequently Asked Questions About Alvernia University
Is Alvernia University accredited?
Yes. Alvernia University is institutionally accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
How many online programs does Alvernia University offer?
Alvernia University offers 16 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Alvernia University offer?
Alvernia University offers both bachelor's and master's level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Alvernia University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Alvernia University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Alvernia University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Alvernia University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Alvernia University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Alvernia University programs require?
Most listed programs require at least a 2.0 GPA, with requirements generally ranging from 2.0 to 3.0.
Is Alvernia University military friendly?
Alvernia University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Alvernia University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Alvernia University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Official High School Transcript/GED Score, Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), and Resume/CV. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Alvernia University accept life experience credit?
Alvernia University accepts life experience credit, but qualifying can be harder than expected and fees may still apply. Check Transfer Options to confirm what applies to your program.
Are Alvernia University programs fully online or mixed?
Alvernia University programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Alvernia University offer?
Alvernia University has online program options in areas such as Business, Education, Healthcare, and Psychology & Human Services; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any Alvernia University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP); Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Are any admission tests required for Alvernia University programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students). Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Alvernia University?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Alvernia University programs have state authorization limitations?
Some programs show state or location restrictions, so students should confirm eligibility for their state before applying. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Alvernia University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Alvernia University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Alvernia University programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
Alvernia University is featured in 11 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Alvernia University is located in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania at a Glance:
Top Majors in Pennsylvania:
Top Incentives in Pennsylvania:
- PA State Grant Program: Up to $4,525 annually
Top Career Pathways in Pennsylvania:
- Entry Level: Clinic Manager ($65,000)
- Mid Level: Healthcare Administrator ($95,000)
- Senior Level: Hospital Director ($150,000+)
- Required Education: BS Healthcare Administration
- Certifications: ACHE, CMPE
Quotes from Prominent Figures
At Alvernia, learning goes beyond theory. Our students engage in real-world, hands-on experiences that prepare them for purposeful careers and lifelong service.
—Glynis A. Fitzgerald, President