A Private, Caring University

Alvernia combines the personal touch and attention of a small private college with many of the opportunities of an outstanding university. It's the best of both worlds! Students' benefit from Alvernia's approach to real-world education infused with traditional theory-based classroom learning that is grounded in the liberal arts foundation. With about 3,000 students, a 12:1 student-to-faculty member ratio and an average class size of less than 20, Alvernia is the perfect size for students to develop and thrive.

Academics & Majors

Alvernia offers students a range of academic programs with a learning approach that is grounded in out-of-the-classroom experiences. With more than 600 courses and 50 majors and minors in nearly every field, including pre-professional tracks in dentistry, law, medicine, pharmacological and veterinary medicine, an Alvernia education can prepare students for the careers they want. Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science candidates can major in the following areas: accounting, athletic training, behavioral health, biochemistry, biology, biology/medical technology, chemistry, chemistry/medical technology, communication, criminal justice administration, digital media marketing, education (early childhood and early childhood with special through middle school ), English, engineering (mechanical, industrial and electrical), forensic science, general science, healthcare science, history, human resource management, liberal studies, management, marketing, mathematics, nursing, occupational therapy, philosophy, political science, psychology, social work, sport management, theatre, theology and undecided. Alvernia University also offers 5-year programs leading to the Master of Education, the Master of Business Administration, the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies and the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. A Bachelor’s degree in biology, healthcare science or psychology may be used to track towards application for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Graduate Program, which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy (CAPTE).

First-Class Faculty

Alvernia's faculty members are accomplished scholars, experts in their fields, and supportive mentors who are committed to helping students acquire the knowledge they will need to excel once they graduate. Faculty members understand that students learn best when lessons come alive through out-of-the-classroom experiences and that real-world learning helps students develop capabilities that enable them to thrive in the uncertain circumstances of life. Alvernia's faculty members spend time with students as instructors, advisors, and mentors to help students acquire the knowledge and skills needed after graduation. This very personal approach to learning is a hallmark of an Alvernia education.

Financial Aid at Alvernia

Alvernia is also a great value among private universities, and the university works hard to keep its costs affordable for families. In fact, when compared to other leading private colleges, students will find the tuition cost is 8.5% less than the national average. Alvernia also offers generous scholarships and financial aid to help students realize their college dreams.

Alvernia University's Campus

Situated on a scenic 191-acre suburban campus in historic Berks County, PA, the university is bordered by a picturesque park that features hiking trails, a fresh water stream, picnic grove and a nine-hole disc-golf course. And when students are ready to explore big city life, they are an easy care ride away from Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore and Washington, DC. Public Safety Officers are on campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help and serve students while the Health and Wellness Center, staffed by a medical doctor, is available whenever students need a little TLC! Alvernia’s Reading CollegeTowne project, which will expand campus into the downtown area of the city, is already under construction and is slated to open in late 2021. This new facility will feature STEM/engineering and digital media labs, Alvernia’s O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship, suite-style modern residences, classrooms, and a location for AU’s Esports program, which launches Fall ‘21.

Alvernia Student Life

Alvernia offers a rich campus life that provides hands-on experiences with more than 55 clubs and organizations, including intramural sports, student government, academic societies and much more. While students are here, they'll build their self-confidence as they learn to solve problems, make important decisions, and develop critical thinking and leadership skills. Alvernia features outstanding living and learning facilities to help students achieve and excel. The university has been investing in a number of multi-million dollar additions to the campus that include a new laser laboratory to support science programs, state-of-the-art learning suites developed for the criminal justice and counseling programs, an educational technology center that supports all majors, a new theater and recital hall and a new campus commons which features a dance studio, gym and campus living room. When it comes to on-campus living, Alvernia is second to none. Student housing is well known for offering spacious and clean accommodations that make living on campus a popular choice. Housing choices include traditional residence halls, suites, townhouses and new apartment-style buildings -- all just a short walk to classes and the Campus Commons. Alvernia offers a full range of intercollegiate sports, including baseball, basketball, cross-country, field hockey, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field and volleyball. The university is a member of the NCAA Division III, the ECAC, and the Commonwealth Conference of the Middle Atlantic States Collegiate Athletic Corporation (MAC), a highly competitive Division III intercollegiate conference. At Alvernia, service learning and volunteer opportunities abound. Students do well and perform good deeds at the same time. It's part of the values-based learning philosophy that is ingrained in the heritage as a distinctive Franciscan university. Caring for each other, the planet and the community come together with a first-class education to provide hands-on learning that leads to professional skills development.