Overview
Alvernia University is a moderately selective private four-year institution in Reading, Pennsylvania. The school accepts 59.0% of applicants and enrolls 2,042 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 59.0%
- Average SAT
- 1,083
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 996–1,170
- Total Enrollment
- 2,042
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Alvernia University operates on rolling admissions, so apply early in your senior year when your application represents your strongest academic performance. The admissions office begins reviewing applications in September and continues until spots fill, giving early applicants a clear advantage.
Your essay should connect directly to Alvernia's Franciscan values of service, humility, peacemaking, contemplation, and collegiality. Don't just mention community service hours. Explain how you've lived these principles and plan to continue at Alvernia. The admissions committee wants to see alignment with their mission, not generic volunteering stories.
If you're considering nursing, mention Alvernia's simulation labs and clinical partnerships with Reading Hospital and Penn State Health. Business applicants should reference the O'Pake Institute for Ethics, Leadership, and Public Service, which offers internships and leadership development programs. Criminal justice students benefit from the Crime Scene Investigation Lab and partnerships with local law enforcement.
The Honors Program requires a separate application with additional essays and recommendations. Apply even if your test scores fall slightly below the typical range, as the program considers your full academic profile and potential for growth.
Campus culture centers around small class sizes and personal attention from professors. Students who succeed here appreciate knowing their professors personally and want to be more than a number in lecture halls. The Franciscan tradition creates a supportive environment where students help each other rather than compete aggressively.
Submit your application through the Common Application, but check Alvernia's portal regularly for any missing documents. The financial aid office processes applications quickly, but you'll receive better aid packages by applying before their priority deadline in February.
Visit campus if possible, especially during their Open House events. Demonstrating genuine interest through campus visits, information sessions, or conversations with admissions representatives strengthens your application. Take notes during your visit and reference specific details about facilities or programs in your application materials.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $28,329/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $42,810
- Students Receiving Aid
- 34%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 58.5%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $55,055/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 72.6%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Alvernia University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Alvernia University has a test-optional admissions policy. Students can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application.
What is the application deadline for Alvernia University?
Alvernia University uses rolling admissions, meaning applications are reviewed as they are received. Students should apply early for the best chance of admission and financial aid consideration.
How many credits can transfer students bring to Alvernia University?
Transfer students can bring up to 90 credits from previous institutions. Students must complete at least 30 credits at Alvernia to earn their degree.
Does Alvernia University offer early decision or early action admissions?
Alvernia University does not offer early decision or early action programs. All applications are processed through their rolling admissions system.