Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants.
58%
SAT 25th-75th percentileThe middle range of SAT scores for admitted students: a quarter scored below the low number and a quarter scored above the high number.
1093–1286
Undergrad enrollment
2,152
Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost.
$28,138
In-state tuition
$45,000
Out-of-state tuition
$45,000
Location
Reading, PA
Top Major
Nursing (19% of grads)
Avg ACT Range
18–24
Avg SAT Range
943–1260
Tuition (2024)
$46,850
Acceptance Rate
58%
Undergrad Enrollment
~2,500 (estimate based on class size)
6-Year Graduation Rate
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at Alvernia University?
Alvernia University's acceptance rate is approximately 58% (Reading, PA), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for Alvernia University?
Admitted students at Alvernia University typically score 1093–1286 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does Alvernia University cost?
At Alvernia University, the average net price (after aid) is about $28,138 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend Alvernia University?
Alvernia University enrolls approximately 2,152 undergraduate students.
Where is Alvernia University located?
Alvernia University is located in Reading, PA.
Alvernia University, a Franciscan institution in Reading, PA, blends liberal arts rigor with career-focused programs—especially in nursing and health sciences—while fostering tight-knit community bonds. With a 58% acceptance rate and near-universal financial aid coverage, it attracts students seeking personalized attention and practical outcomes, evidenced by a 65% graduation rate and strong job placements.
Admissions
Alvernia’s admissions process is moderately selective, with a 58% Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. ([2], [7], [9]). The university welcomed its largest-ever class of nearly 600 students in 2022 ([12]), reflecting growing appeal. Test-optionalA policy where you choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you don't, the rest of your application carries more weight. since at least 2021 ([8]), admitted students typically have SAT scores between 943–1260 or ACT scores of 18–24 ([7], [10]). The Holistic admissionsA review that weighs the whole applicant — grades, essays, activities, and context — rather than relying on test scores and GPA alone. emphasizes more than grades, though average GPAs hover around 3.0 ([11]).
Application options: Common App accepted, with rolling admissions ([5]).
Demographics: Recent classes skew toward in-state students, with modest racial diversity (no specific percentages provided in sources).
Alvernia’s academic identity merges Franciscan values with professional preparation. Nursing dominates the curriculum, accounting for 19% of 2024 graduates ([14]), followed by health sciences (12%) and business ([17]). The university emphasizes experiential learning, with programs like the Holleran Center for Community Engagement integrating service into coursework ([16]).
Top majors: Nursing, Health Professions, Business, Criminal Justice ([17]).
Teaching style: Small classes (student-faculty ratio not specified) with a focus on mentorship ([19]).
Notable programs: Accelerated degrees and hybrid options cater to non-traditional students ([16]).
Life at Alvernia revolves around its compact campus, where 58% of students live on-site ([22]). The vibe is communal—TikTok tours showcase cozy study nooks and spirited athletic events ([21]), while Niche reviews highlight easy professor access ([19]). Over 50 clubs range from academic societies to esports ([20]), and the Franciscan tradition fuels service initiatives like the annual “Into the Streets” volunteer day ([23]).
Housing: Primarily traditional dorms, with some apartment-style options.
Athletics: Division III teams (Golden Wolves) compete in the MAC Conference.
Culture: Heavy emphasis on community support, with resources like the SOLAR program for First-generation (first-gen)A student who would be the first in their immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Many colleges consider this in context. students ([23]).
Alvernia’s 6-year graduation rate sits at 65%—above the national average for private colleges ([28]). Pell Grant recipients graduate at a 42% rate ([26]), and alumni earn median salaries of $36,427 one year post-graduation ([29]). The university touts strong regional employer connections, particularly in healthcare ([24]).
Graduation gaps: Non-Pell students graduate at 61% vs. 42% for Pell recipients ([26]).
Career support: No specific placement rate cited, but nursing graduates see high demand ([18]).
Tuition runs $46,850 ([5]), but 99% of undergrads receive aid—averaging $13,706 in grants ([32]). The Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator suggests final costs often drop below $30k ([31]). Merit scholarships (no minimum GPA specified) and Need-based aidFinancial aid awarded based on your family's ability to pay, as measured by forms like the FAFSA, rather than on achievements. are plentiful ([30]).
FAFSA reliance: Strongly encouraged; 100% of students receive some aid ([32]).
Alvernia carves a niche as a values-driven underdog. Its nursing program punches above its weight ([18]), while the Franciscan commitment to service permeates everything from curricula to campus culture ([23]). Unlike larger Pennsylvania privates, it offers an intimate, support-heavy environment—evidenced by recent accolades for 'transformational' undergraduate experiences ([27]). For students seeking close mentorship and hands-on learning without cutthroat competition, Alvernia delivers.
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