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Alvernia University

#811 in US ranking Reading, PA
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Programs:
4 years or more

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Cost

Cost / year
$60,249
Tuition & fees
$46,850
Avg. aid
$24,690
Receiving aid
100%

Admissions

Acceptance rate
58%
SAT range
1093–1286

Outcomes

Graduation rate
56%
Median salary
$53,359
1 yr after graduation

What does Alvernia University offer in terms of athletics?

Alvernia's Golden Wolves compete in NCAA Division III athletics and the Middle Atlantic Conferences. Varsity opportunities include sports such as basketball, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, baseball, softball, volleyball, and wrestling.

A list of activities associated with the university also includes options such as cheerleading, equestrian sports, ice hockey, and ultimate Frisbee. Students should not assume every listed activity is an NCAA varsity team: varsity, club, intramural, and recreational participation have different schedules, selection processes, and governing rules. NCAA Division III institutions do not award athletic scholarships on the basis of athletic participation, although a student may qualify for other forms of financial aid.

What student groups and Associations are available at Alvernia University?

Alvernia students can join organizations built around academic interests, professional goals, student representation, and shared activities. Reported examples include the Student Government Association, the Student Nurses Association of Alvernia, the Criminal Justice Association, the Sport Management Association, and the Science Association.

These groups offer different forms of involvement: student government represents student concerns, while a professional association may organize field-specific activities or connections. The university also reports a student newspaper, theater group, and choral groups. Organization activity and membership requirements can change from year to year, so a prospective student with a particular interest should check the current student-activities roster rather than rely on an older club list.

Who studies at Alvernia University?

Alvernia reports total enrollment of 2,796 students. Its incoming first-time degree-seeking group numbered 442, and it also enrolled 62 transfer-in students in the reported period. Those figures indicate that transfer applicants join a much smaller entry group than first-year applicants.

The student body includes both traditional-age and adult learners. Reported age counts show 790 students ages 18-19 and 690 ages 20-21, alongside students in their thirties, forties, and older. Geographically, 69% of students are from Pennsylvania, 27% from other U.S. states, and 4% from foreign countries.

Reported racial and ethnic counts include 1,306 White students, 367 Hispanic or Latino students, 232 Black or African American students, and 77 students identifying with two or more races. These descriptive figures do not, on their own, explain an individual student's experience or the level of support available to any group.

How does student life look like at Alvernia University?

Daily life at Alvernia combines residential and commuter experiences. With 57% of students reported as living on campus and 43% commuting, class schedules and campus events need to serve students who spend different amounts of time at the university.

Students can connect through activities, performances, service, and recreation as well as through their courses. The university reports a health clinic and personal or psychological counseling, which are worth considering alongside academic support when comparing campuses. First-year students may find orientation and early advising especially useful for learning how to access these services and navigate college requirements. The mix of living arrangements also makes event timing and transportation practical considerations for commuters who want to participate after class.

What libraries are available to students at Alvernia University?

The Dr. Frank A. Franco Library Learning Center is Alvernia's main campus library. Students can use it for research and study, including reservable study rooms; reported library access also includes study areas open around the clock on specified days.

For a research assignment, the library is more than a place to find books. Students should look for librarian assistance with locating scholarly sources, using subject databases and journals, and obtaining materials not held locally through borrowing services. Hours, room-booking rules, remote access to licensed resources, and the availability of specialized materials can differ by term, so students should check the library's current service information when planning a project.

Alvernia University Student Life for 2027

Total enrollment

2796

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

442

Member of Athletic Associations

NCAA

Total staff

120 full time, 132 part time

Veterans affair office

Yes

Alvernia University Student Body

Undergraduate vs. graduate students

Undergraduate: 2,192
Graduate: 604

Full-time vs. part-time students

Full-time: 1,992
Part-time: 804

Full-time degree-seeking students by gender

Women: 248
Men: 194

Students by race/ethnicity

Hispanic or Latino: 367
Black or African American: 232
White: 1,306
American Indian or Alaska Native: 3
Asian: 34
Two or more races: 77
Unknown: 64

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Alvernia University Sports & Athletics

  • Member of NCAA

Varsity teams compete against other colleges, intramural teams within the school. Each column says whether men, women or both take part, and whether the sport offers athletic scholarships (Aid).

Sport

Varsity Intramural Aid

Baseball

MenMen–

Basketball

BothBoth–

Cheerleading

Women––

Cross-country running

BothBoth–

Equestrian sports

WomenWomen–

Field hockey

WomenWomen–

Football

MenMen–

Golf

BothBoth–

Ice hockey

WomenWomen–

Lacrosse

BothBoth–

Soccer

BothBoth–

Softball

WomenWomen–

Tennis

BothBoth–

Track and field

BothBoth–

Ultimate Frisbee

–Both–

Volleyball

BothBoth–

Wrestling

MenMen–

Data last updated on November 5, 2026

Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026

Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.

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