Alvernia University
At Alvernia, we care. When you are here, you feel it. Our Franciscan heritage, stretching back centuries to the teachings of Saint Francis of Assisi, fosters a culture of care that touches our students, faculty, staff, and wider community. You can see that culture in action with our SOLAR (Support, Opportunity, Love, Access, and Resources) initiative, aimed at addressing every student’s academic, financial, emotional, and personal needs.
With a strong focus on real-world learning, every student gains hands-on experience through internships, service-learning, and community engagement, including 30,000 hours of community service performed by our community every year.
Alvernia University is among a select group of institutions recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for providing both broad access and preparation for careers with high earning potential. With 100% of students receiving financial aid and robust real-world learning baked into every major, Alvernia ensures students from all backgrounds graduate career-ready. Whether you’re a first-generation student, a commuter, or planning for grad school, you’ll find a personalized pathway here.
With a strong focus on real-world learning, every student gains hands-on experience through internships, service-learning, and community engagement, including 30,000 hours of community service performed by our community every year.
Alvernia University is among a select group of institutions recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for providing both broad access and preparation for careers with high earning potential. With 100% of students receiving financial aid and robust real-world learning baked into every major, Alvernia ensures students from all backgrounds graduate career-ready. Whether you’re a first-generation student, a commuter, or planning for grad school, you’ll find a personalized pathway here.
Accepts first-year applicationsMid-AtlanticPrivateSuburbanMedium (2,001 to 14,999)Co-Ed
Academic programs
- Engineering
- Research
- Science
- Technology
- Liberal Arts
- Business
- Education
- Nursing
- Communication
- Music
- Art & Design
- Economics
- Finance/Accounting
- Government/Political Science
- Health Science
- Performing Arts
- Social Science
- Visual Arts
- Psychology
- Computer Science
Student experience
- Athletics
- Co-op/Internship Opportunities
- Disability Services
- Intramural/Club Sports
- LGBTQIA Services
- Military/Veteran Services
- Night Class Offerings
- On-Campus Housing
- Religious Affiliation
- Study Abroad
- Undergraduate Research
- Veteran Fee Waiver
- Distance/online learning
Application information
First-year
Students who have not yet graduated from high school with a diploma or the equivalent, or students who have graduated from high school with a diploma or the equivalent but have not taken any college or university classes, are considered first year students. Students who have dual credit or college credit from courses taken while in high school are still considered first year applicants.
Transfer
Students who have graduated from high school with a diploma or equivalent and have taken college or university coursework after graduation are considered transfer students.
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Additional information
A nationally ranked comprehensive regional university, Alvernia offers more than 50 majors and minors and delivers them in world-class facilities, including recently renovated spaces for business, communication, engineering, and healthcare students. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, you're not just a number here. Our faculty members are accomplished scholars, experts in their fields, and supportive mentors who are committed to their students’ success.
With more than 50 student clubs and organizations, there's something for everyone at Alvernia. For student-athletes, the university competes in NCAA Division III as part of the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC), with a proud record of 38 teams and 39 individual NCAA Championship appearances, 19 MAC Championships, and 64 All-Americans.
With more than 50 student clubs and organizations, there's something for everyone at Alvernia. For student-athletes, the university competes in NCAA Division III as part of the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC), with a proud record of 38 teams and 39 individual NCAA Championship appearances, 19 MAC Championships, and 64 All-Americans.
Visit us
Experiencing Alvernia University firsthand is the best way to know if it is the right school for you. Our 136-acre campus is located in a quiet residential neighborhood just minutes from downtown Reading, PA, in the heart of historic Berks County. We provide a variety of visit opportunities, including individual visits, one-day shadow visits, information sessions, open houses, and even overnights to get a real feel for life on campus. You can sit in on a class, talk with professors and coaches, meet with admissions and financial aid counselors, and tour our beautiful campus with current students.
“I came to Alvernia because of the faculty, staff, resources, and commitment to student engagement. I participated in various clubs - Circle K, Alvernia Disciple Makers, and Alvernia Student Nurse Association. I was also a tutor, study group leader, and peer mentor. Alvernia took me from being an ordinary high school student to a leader in college.”