About

About Alvernia University

franciscan catholic missionhealth sciences focusdoctoral programs offeredsmall class sizes

Alvernia University is a private university in Reading, PA, known for its franciscan catholic mission, health sciences focus, and doctoral programs. With an acceptance rate of 59%, Alvernia University is moderately selective, typically enrolling around 497 students each year. Alvernia University is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 996–1170, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Alvernia University offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $23,228 per year; the sticker price of $56,960 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Alvernia University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

moderately selective

59%
Overall Accept Rate
1083
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 996 – 1170 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Alvernia University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
Alvernia is rooted in the Franciscan tradition of service and community, so weave a concrete example of how you have contributed to others into your application materials, whether in the main essay or activities list. Admissions readers there look for students who genuinely connect with a mission-driven campus culture.
Demonstrated Interest
Alvernia sits in Reading, PA, one of the most economically diverse mid-sized cities in the Northeast, and the university takes its community engagement role seriously, so mention in your application any interest in urban service or Reading-area community work. Scheduling a campus visit or an information session is a straightforward way to show you are genuinely considering Alvernia and not just adding it as a filler school.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Alvernia University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$57k/yr$23.4k
30k-48k~$57k/yr$23.7k
48k-75k~$57k/yr$24.1k
75k-110k~$57k/yr$28.0k
110k+~$57k/yr$32.2k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

59%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$50k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
14:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
1,970
Undergrad Enrollment
Alvernia University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch