Alvernia University Admissions

Alvernia University Admissions Overview:

Alvernia University has a fairly high rate of acceptance: in 2016, the acceptance rate was 74 percent. Students can choose to apply with either the Common Application or the university's own application. Either way, a complete application includes SAT or ACT scores, information about extracurricular activities, and an essay. Two letters of recommendation are required for nursing applicants.

Admissions Data (2016):

• Alvernia University Acceptance Rate: 74 percent
• Test Scores -- 25th / 75th Percentile
  • SAT Critical Reading: 440 / 540
  • SAT Math: 440 / 550
    • What these SAT numbers mean
  • ACT Composite: 19 / 23
  • ACT English: - / -
  • ACT Math: - / -
    • What these ACT numbers mean

Alvernia University Description:

Alvernia University is a private, Roman Catholic institution located on a 121-acre campus in Reading, Pennsylvania. Philadelphia is just an hour away. Alvernia is one of only 22 Franciscan universities and colleges in the country, and as such, the school has a focus on service, humility, contemplation, peacemaking and collegiality. Students can choose from over 50 majors and minors, with professional fields in health and business being the most popular. Academics are supported by a healthy 12 to 1 student / faculty ratio, and students can expect to receive a lot of personal attention from their instructors during their years at Alvernia. The university values hands-on learning, and nearly all students complete some form of internship, practicum, field work, service project, or research project. Campus life is active with over 55 student clubs and organizations. On the athletic front, the Alvernia Crusaders compete in the NCAA Division III Commonwealth Conference. The university fields nine men's and twelve women's intercollegiate sports. Students can also participate in a range of intramural sports such as volleyball and flag football.

Enrollment (2016):

• Total Enrollment: 2,872 (2,323 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 26 percent male / 74 percent female
• 74 percent full-time

Costs (2016 - 17):

• Tuition and Fees: $32,270
• Books: $1,500 (why so much?)
• Room and Board: $11,240
• Other Expenses: $2,500
• Total Cost: $47,510

Alvernia University Financial Aid (2015 - 16):

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 100 percent
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 97 percent
  • Loans: 83 percent
• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $18,903
  • Loans: $10,005

Academic Programs:

• Most Popular Majors: Accounting, Behavioral Health, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Nursing

Transfer, Graduation and Retention Rates:

• First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 82 percent
• Transfer Out Rate: 37 percent
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 37 percent
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 53 percent

Intercollegiate Athletic Programs:

• Men's Sports: Basketball, Baseball, Lacrosse, Soccer, Golf, Tennis, Track and Field, Cross Country
• Women's Sports: Soccer, Softball, Volleyball, Tennis, Track and Field, Basketball, Field Hockey, Cross Country

Data Source:

National Center for Educational Statistics

Interested in Alvernia University? You May Also Like These Colleges:

If you're looking for a school nearby to Alvernia that's also affiliated with the Catholic Church, and with the Franciscan order in particular, be sure to check out such schools as Neumann University, St. Bonaventure University, Felician University, Saint Francis University, or Siena College. 

Widener University, Messiah College, Arcadia University, and Lycoming College are also great options. These school are generally the same size as Alvernia, and all are in the same Division III athletic conference.