1958
Reading, PA

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.

Accreditation & Licensing

Alvernia University is accredited by:

Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Type:

4-year, Private not-for-profit

Highest Level Offered:

Doctor's degree

Religious Affiliation:

Roman Catholic

Enrollment:

Undergraduate: 2,688 ; Graduate: 509

Percent of Fully Online Students:

Undergraduate: 10% ; Graduate: 30%

Graduation Rate:

56%

Transfer Rate:

32%

Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:

$55,055

Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):

$27,000

Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:

87%

Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:

$24,690

Yellow Ribbon Program:

Yes

Credit for Military Training:

Yes

Online Programs offered by Alvernia University

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All Programs

Business

Popular degree
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Marketing
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Bachelor of Science in Management
Graduate Certificate in Organizational Leadership
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Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership
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Master of Business Administration

Computer Science & IT

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Master of Science in Data Analytics

Criminal Justice, Safety & Law

Popular degreeBest Buy degree
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration

Education

Popular degreeBest Buy degree
Master of Education in Special Education
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Master of Education in Teaching English as a Second Language
Master of Education with Special Education Certificate
Special Education Certificate

Healthcare

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Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
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Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Science

Nursing

Popular degree
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

Psychology & Human Services

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Bachelor of Arts in Addictions & Mental Health Treatment
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Bachelor of Science in Psychology

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Geographic and Educational Overview

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Alvernia University is located in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania at a Glance:

State flag of PA
Harrisburg
13,002,700
46,054 sq mi
14
101
14
$15,200.00

Top Incentives in Pennsylvania:

Top Career Pathways in Pennsylvania:

Healthcare Management
  • 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
* Data is approximate and may be AI-enhanced

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