Alvernia University

400 Saint Bernardine St, Reading, PA 19607-1799
Tel: (610)796-8200
Private not-for-profit | 2,891 students
Alvernia is a private, residential, coeducational university sponsored by the Bernardine Francisan sisters, a Catholic religious order. Its purpose is to provide affordable quality education that combines liberal arts with career and professional opportunities. Alvernia's goal is to prepare learners for personal achievement, for social responsibility, for moral integrity, and for spiritual fullness. Alvernia emphasizes moral leadership throughout its curriculum.

School Overview:

Alvernia University
CountyBerks County, PA
Title IV EligibleParticipat
Carnegie ClassificationBaccalaureate Colleges--General
Institution LevelFour or more years
Institution ControlPrivate not-for-profit
Instructional Staff Total
(research/public service staff included)
166 staff115 staff
Student Body
Total Enrollment2,891 students1,633 students
# Full-Time Students
1,805 students1,434 students
# Part-Time Students
1,086 students137 students
 
# Undergraduate Students
2,347 students 1,507 students
# Graduate Students
544 students129 students
 
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%1%
% Asian
1%2%
% Hawaiian
-1%
% Hispanic
6%3%
% Black
13%6%
% White
78%84%
% Two or more races
1%2%
 
Finances and Admission
In-State Tuition Fees
(2012-13)
$27,950$24,462
 
Out-State Tuition Fees
(2012-13)
$27,950$24,744
 
Tuition$22,800
Percent Admitted80%64%
SAT Reading (25-75%)420-520450-570
SAT Math (25-75%)430-540460-573
SAT Writing (25-75%)420-520440-570
ACT Composite (25-75%)18-2220-25

School Notes:

  • The roots that were to become Alvernia University were planted in 1926 when the Bernardine Sisters of the Third Order of Saint Francis established a Teacher’s Seminarium for the education of the Sisters. Thirty-two years later, in 1958, the institution was expanded into a four-year liberal arts college.
  • Alvernia University provides 5-year Masters Programs in Education, Business, Occupational Therapy, and Social Work, having a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
  • You'll find many ways to get involved on campus and add to your educational experience. Student service organizations, honor societies, and intercollegiate athletics are excellent ways to learn teamwork skills and supplement your classroom learning. More than 500 Alvernia students are active in over 50 student groups, and numerous activities are scheduled throughout the year. We have over 100 student leadership positions, and over 200 of our students are members of honor societies.
  • Alvernia's 123-acre campus is located three miles from Reading, in the scenic Blue Mountain area of eastern Pennsylvania. Public transportation provides service to within walking distance of the campus.
  • Alvernia University is accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
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Nearby Schools:

Alvernia University
0 mi. away
Albright College
3.5 mi. away
Ursinus College
26.4 mi. away
Cedar Crest College
29.0 mi. away
Muhlenberg College
29.7 mi. away

View all schools in: Pennsylvania, Berks , Reading, Zip 19607

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