Why Alvernia?
At Alvernia, we care. When you are here, you feel it.
Our Franciscan heritage, stretching back centuries to the teachings of Saint Francis of Assisi, fosters a culture of care that touches all of our students and employees.
In 2025, the Carnegie Foundation recognized the university as one of the country’s leading institutions for student opportunity and economic mobility. Alvernia was among a select group of institutions designated as High Access, High Earnings Opportunity Colleges and Universities in the 2025 Student Access and Earnings Classification.
The Alvernia Advantage
• A nationally ranked comprehensive regional university, Alvernia offers more than 50 majors and minors, including a growing number of online programs offering the flexibility to study at your own pace.
• With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, you're not just a number here. Our faculty members are accomplished scholars, experts in their fields and supportive mentors who are committed to their students’ success.
• An ever-expanding number of online offerings provide flexible learning opportunities for busy professionals eager to create their educational comeback.
• Your time here will include a transformational experiential learning opportunity. Employers today are looking for graduates who can hit the ground running. Experiential learning ensures our students have the confidence and experience to step into their roles in a rapidly evolving job market on day one.
SOLAR Support
ÎçÒ¹¸£Àû¾«Æ·¸£Àû's SOLAR: Culture of Care (Support, Opportunity, Love, Access, and Resources) is the university's unique network of services, support and opportunities that ensure students have the resources they need to succeed during their academic journey and beyond.
Caring Faculty
Our more than 120 full-time faculty members are accomplished scholars, experts in their fields and supportive mentors who are committed to their students’ success.
Ethical Leadership
Leadership opportunities infuse every aspect of the Alvernia experience — from experiential learning to community service to academic offerings.
Service Minded
Community service is deeply embedded in the foundation of ÎçÒ¹¸£Àû¾«Æ·¸£Àû and is central to the mission of our Catholic, Franciscan institution. Service allows students to use their gifts and talents to help those in need and to support an organization’s purpose-driven mission. Additionally, community service is an integral part of students’ learning experiences.
Perfectly Located
Alvernia’s Hill Campus sits on 191 picturesque acres, three miles from downtown Reading, Pa., home to the university's state-of-the-art John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne. Alvernia also has a location 35 miles to the northwest in Pottsville, along with offerings 60 miles to the southeast in the Philadelphia area.