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-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Roman CatholicEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 2,584 ; Graduate: 533Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 11% ; Graduate: 23%Graduation Rate:
58%Transfer Rate:
31%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$55,055Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$27,000Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
87%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$23,159Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesFeatured Ranking Reports
Alvernia University is featured in 10 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