Alvernia University
Overview
The Alvernia University in Reading, Pennsylvania, USA is a private Catholic university that was established in 1958 by the Bernardine Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis. The university is known to be highly ethical, leadership, and community-service based and integrates liberal arts education with professional training.
Located about 60 miles from Philadelphia, Alvernia University USA offers an ideal study environment that merges the comfort of a small campus community with access to major cities and industries.
Students who study at Alvernia University in the USA gain exposure to hands-on learning, service-oriented leadership, and faith-based education values.
Whether you’re considering Bachelor’s or pursuing a Master’s in USA, Alvernia provides high-quality, accredited programs with personalized attention and career guidance.
Highlights
Acceptance Rate: 62%
Total International Students: From 20+ countries
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Placement Percentage: 88%
Alvernia University Intakes
Alvernia University has a flexible academic schedule for students planning to study in US, which allows students to join in various intakes to suit their course objectives. There is an intake that matches you whether you are seeking undergraduate programs or postgraduate programs at Alvernia University.
- Fall Intake: The primary and most common one, which is targeting first-year and transfer students joining undergraduate program at Alvernia University. This admission provides a complete assortment of courses, scholarships and campus activities.
- Spring Intake: Most suitable to international students who require more time to prepare. Provides flexibility, reduced classes, and academic customization.
- Summer Intake: Few programs; made mainly to graduate online courses or accelerated online courses. This is an ideal intake to students who may wish to start their studies as early as possible and complete their degree within a short period in the USA.
Tip: Always check the Alvernia University application deadlines for your chosen intake. Deadlines may differ by program and applicant category.
Alvernia University Courses
Alvernia University USA is a vibrant institution with a dynamic portfolio of programs blending academic excellence and professional readiness and is a favorite study destination in the US. The curriculum of the university focuses on experiential learning, leadership, and service and orient students towards global industry success.
Among the top courses at Alvernia University, and students enjoy an education that combines the theory of knowledge with practice.
The popular programs at Alvernia University are known for their focus on leadership, creativity, and global understanding. They prepare students to succeed in today’s job market by combining academic learning with hands-on opportunities and personal growth.
| Program | Duration | Total Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling | 3 – 4 Years | $54,000 |
| Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Innovation | 2 Years | $17,028 |
| Master of Science in Athletic Training | 2 Years | $51,850 |
| Master of Science in Nursing | 18 Months | $32,400 |
| Master of Science in Occupational Therapy | 28 Months | $76,615 |
| Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership | 18 Months – 2 Years | $27,000 |
| Master of Social Work | 2 – 3 Years | $30,960 |
Cost of Studying at Alvernia University
The cost of studying at Alvernia University is affordable compared to many other private universities in the region. Students can expect a high-quality education, small class sizes, and strong academic support, all while keeping expenses manageable.
Tuition fees at Alvernia University depend on the program and degree level, but the university ensures good value for the overall learning experience.
When calculating the total cost of education in the USA, students should also include living expenses such as housing, food, transportation, and health insurance.
Below is a breakdown of the average annual cost of studying at Alvernia University:
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| UG Tuition Fees | $44,000 – $46,000/year |
| PG Tuition Fees | $17,000 – $20,000/year |
| Accommodation | $13,000 – $15,500/year |
| Food | $400 – $600/month |
| Travel | $120 – $200/month |
| General Expenses | $250 – $400/month |
Alvernia University Scholarships
Alvernia University offers generous scholarships for international students to make quality education in the USA accessible and affordable. These awards recognize academic merit, leadership qualities, and community involvement.
To apply for Alvernia University scholarships, students must first complete their admission application. No separate form is required for most merit-based scholarships.
Below is an overview of the top scholarships at Alvernia University for international students:
| Scholarship | Value | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | $26,000 | Awarded to students pursuing degree at university |
| Trustees’ Scholarship | $25,000 | Awarded to students pursuing degree at university |
| Veronica Founder’s Scholarship | $23,000 | Awarded to students pursuing degree at university |
Alvernia University Admission
Getting admission to Alvernia University USA is a straightforward and supportive process for both domestic and international students.
To meet the eligibility to study at Alvernia University, international students must demonstrate academic readiness and financial ability to support their education.
The admission requirements for Alvernia University vary by program and degree level. The details are as follows:
Admission Requirements:
To get admission to Master’s program, students must have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
English Language Proficiency Test Accepted:
- TOEFL iBT – 75
- IELTS – 5.5
- Duolingo – 95
- PTE – 60
Additional Requirements:
You are also required to submit academic transcripts, proof of funds, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and English language proficiency scores.
Admission Requirements:
For admission to a Bachelor’s in US, students are required to have a high school diploma or equivalent.
English Language Proficiency Test Accepted:
- TOEFL iBT – 75
- IELTS – 5.5
- Duolingo – 95
- PTE – 60
Additional Requirements:
You must also provide academic transcripts, evidence of funds, recommendation letters, personal statement and English language proficiency scores.
Accommodation at Alvernia University
A safe and comfortable environment to live in is also part of your study life. Housing at Alvernia University provides up-to-date on-campus residential halls that are within easy access to classes, food, and recreational centers.
- On-Campus: Includes furnished rooms, Wi-Fi, study spaces, fitness centers, and meal plans. Popular options include residence halls such as Francis Hall, Judge Hall, and Veronica Hall.
- Off-Campus: For students who prefer to live off-campus, the university provides support in finding nearby rental apartments in Reading, Pennsylvania. Living off-campus gives students more independence and flexibility while still being close to the main campus.
Alvernia University Placements
The placement rate at Alvernia University remains consistently strong, reflecting its career-focused approach to education. Students gain access to internships, job fairs, and employer partnerships through the Office of Career Development.
Major recruiters include regional hospitals, financial institutions, nonprofit organizations, and corporate employers across Pennsylvania and beyond. Graduates benefit from a strong alumni network at Alvernia University, which helps connect students with professionals in their fields.
The career support at Alvernia University includes resume workshops, interview preparation, and one-on-one career counseling to ensure students are job-ready by graduation.
Some of the top recruiters at Alvernia University are:
- Penn State Health
- Reading Hospital
- Tower Health
- Santander Bank
- Wells Fargo
- UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center)
- Johnson & Johnson
- Amazon
- Deloitte
- Enterprise Holdings
- The Hershey Company
- PNC Financial Services
- Berks County Government
- United Way of Berks County
- St. Joseph Medical Center
Student Essential Services
Student life at Alvernia University is vibrant, inclusive, and community-driven. The university provides both academic advising and wellbeing programs, and students are given all the support they require to succeed.
- International Student Support at Alvernia University: Student orientation and cultural adjustment are accompanied by dedicated staff that guides students through visa procedures.
- Health & Wellness: Health care, counseling and wellness activities are provided on campuses to enhance physical and mental well-being.
- Clubs & Organizations: There are more than 50 student-led organizations that provide the opportunity to find connections, volunteer, and pursue interests.
- IT & Learning Support: Learning outcomes are improved because of the availability of online sources, online classrooms, and online tutoring centers.
The holistic approach guarantees that the students are not only excellent academically but also have an enriching and supportive campus life as they learn in the USA.
Location of Alvernia University
Frequently Asked Questions
Alvernia University is in Reading, Pennsylvania, approximately one hour drive to Philadelphia, two hours to New York City. The campus offers a peaceful suburban setting with a strong sense of community. It combines small-campus comfort with easy access to large-city opportunities, giving students both tranquility and connectivity.
International students choose Alvernia for its personalized learning, affordable tuition, generous scholarships, and community-driven education. The university’s strong focus on ethics, leadership, and service helps students grow personally and professionally.
Yes. International students on an F-1 visa are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week on campus during semesters and full-time during breaks. The university is offering part time positions in the library, administration offices and dining on campus.
Alvernia offers a wide range of academic services such as writing centers, tutoring services, ESL (English as a Second Language) services, and faculty mentoring. International students can also attend orientation workshops to adjust to U.S. classroom expectations and academic culture.
Yes, the International Student Organization (ISO) is one of the most active student groups on campus. It holds cultural events, city tours, and networking activities that assist the new students to become part of the campus community through celebrating global diversity.
Reading offers public buses, ride-sharing apps, and shuttle services to key areas. Many students also use university-provided transport for local travel and airport pickups. Philadelphia International Airport is the nearest major airport for international arrivals.
Through its International Orientation Program, Alvernia introduces students to American customs, classroom etiquette, and academic expectations. Peer mentors and cultural exchange programs also help international students adjust comfortably to life in the U.S.
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