Enrollment: 2136
Most Popular Majors: Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration,Elementary Education and Teaching,Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling,
Student Faculty Ratio: 13:1

Average Freshman Total Need-Based Gift Aid: $9,784.00

School Says - General Information
Alvernia is a private Franciscan college rooted in the Catholic and liberal arts traditions. We stress the development of the whole person academically, emotionally, and spiritually. The roots that became Alvernia were planted in 1926 when the Bernardine Sisters of the Third Order of Saint Francis established a teacher's seminar for the education of the Sisters. Thirty-two years later, in 1958, the institution expanded into a four-year liberal arts college. The student population in 1958 included only 23 freshmen and 8 sophomores, and has expanded to its current enrollment of more than 2,800 male and female students, including a growing graduate program. The mission statements of the Bernadine Congregation and Alvernia College are based on the five core values of the Franciscan tradition: service, humility, peacemaking, contemplation, and collegiality. We honor our core Catholic traditions while respecting and welcoming students, faculty, and staff of many religious backgrounds. We foster moral leadership and service to others in the interest of peace and justice locally and globally. We prepare our graduates to achieve their personal dreams and professional success, and to be engaged citizens and lifelong learners. Alvernia has been honored by the Templeton Foundation as one of the top 100 character-building colleges in the nation and a model of excellence in education.

Since 1967, the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools has granted Alvernia accreditation. The Education program for elementary and secondary teachers is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The Occupational Therapy program is fully accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing has approval by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The Athletic Training program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs in cooperation with the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Athletic Training. The Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The Addiction Studies Program is certified by the Pennsylvania Certification Board. The Business Department is accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs.

School Says - Student Body
Alvernia encourages students to take advantage of learning opportunities outside of the classroom by participating in any of our more than 50 student clubs, organizations, and service programs. Learning in college takes place by being involved in curricular programs as well as extracurricular activities. Campus organizations offer opportunities to suit the interests of all students, to meet new people, to learn various skills, and to develop leadership abilities.

Athletics are an integral part of the educational mission at Alvernia College. Students may participate in intercollegiate, intramural, and club-level athletic programs. Intercollegiate teams compete at the NCAA Division III level. Continuing a proud athletic tradition, Alvernia has accepted an invitation to compete in the Middle Atlantic States Athletic Conference (MAC), a highly competitive conference, beginning in 2008-2009, and is also a member of the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference.

The Office of Student Activities works with the college's many student organizations to provide a calendar of social, cultural, and other co-curricular activities. The Student Government Association provides an opportunity for leadership through the exercise of personal and group responsibility. All students complete approved community service hours as part of Alvernia's commitment to fostering a reverence for the dignity of all life. Our commitment to peace and justice, and a devotion to the service of others, is especially focused on the materially and spiritually disadvantaged of the local and global community.

School Says - Academics
Alvernia offers both a traditional course schedule and a flexible year-round program for working adults. To earn a bachelor's degree, students must complete a minimum of 123 credits, with 54 credits in the liberal arts, 40 in the major, and 30 in electives. Requirements vary by program.

Logical and critical thinking, accurate comprehension, and effective communication are at the heart of Alvernia's academic program. Students' personal development is also highly valued, and the college promotes integrity in academic pursuits, social responsibility, and moral values.

The Genesis Program at Alvernia provides academic advisement for students who have not declared a major. It is an incredible opportunity to dedicate the first few semesters of college to pure exploration of potential fields of study. Through careful examination and counseling, students gain exposure to the opportunities available at Alvernia.

Qualified students participate in the Alvernia's Honors Program. The Honors Program assists students of outstanding intellectual promise and high motivation who are interested in pursuing future graduate or professional studies or who prefer a more challenging program at the undergraduate level. The program recognizes and encourages students to achieve academic excellence, often letting them work at their own pace, and facilitates a stimulating exchange of ideas and information between their varied interests and different disciplines. The Honors Program includes co-curricular activities, provides service opportunities, intellectual and social support, and injects significant additional depth in the studentÂ's academic program. Honors courses are team-taught by faculty from diverse areas and involve student-led discussions. Students and faculty wishing to do research or explore topics not offered in established courses can arrange independent studies under the direction of a faculty member and often present their work at a departmental seminar.

School Says - Admissions
Our warm Alvernia attitude extends to the ease of applying for admission. Many factors are considered for admission, including academic performance, standardized test scores, class rank, extracurricular activities, and community involvement. Application and admission notification is on a rolling basis; however, applicants are encouraged to submit the admission application as early as possible. In addition to their transcripts and SAT or ACT scores, nursing applicants must also submit two letters of reference.

Alvernia accepts and/or offers special programs for accelerated high school students, non-traditional students (older than 24), transfer students, students with a disability, and international students.

The best way to get to know Alvernia is through a campus visit and tour. Applicants and those considering the school are strongly encouraged to come for an individual campus visit. We will personalize the campus visit to match each studentÂ's unique interests. Alvernia also hosts information sessions and open houses throughout the year. They allow prospective freshmen or transfers to meet current students, talk to admissions and financial aid counselors, and meet faculty and coaches. Overnight and shadow visits are also available. We invite you to discover Alvernia.

School Says - Campus Life
Located on a beautiful campus on the outskirts of Reading, Pennsylvania, Alvernia offers a setting conducive to learning. The school is set in a tree-lined suburban neighborhood three miles from the center of Reading (population 81,000) in the scenic Blue Mountain area of Eastern Pennsylvania. Reading offers a mix of cultural and entertainment destinations such as the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, the Reading Public Museum, outlet shopping, minor league sports, and concerts at the Sovereign Center. Students also find opportunities for community involvement, internships, and field work experience at many local businesses, agencies, and organizations.

The 55-acre campus, overlooking Angelica Park and set on the Schuylkill River along the majestic Appalachian Mountain Trail, gives students access to a wide range of outdoor activities including hiking, boating, camping, and skiing. In addition, Alvernia is just a few hours by train or car to Philadelphia, New York, Washington D.C., and Baltimore. The Pocono Mountains and the New Jersey and Delaware shores are also close by.

School Says - Cost Aid
For the 2008-2009 academic year tuition is $22,800, and room and board is $8,660 (an approximate cost based on the highest priced residence hall and a 19-meal plan).Ninety-nine percent of students attending Alvernia receive some form of financial aid. Alvernia offers financial aid to students whose personal and family resources are unable to meet the full cost of their Alvernia education. Each year we offer more than $3 million in assistance. Aid usually comes in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study arrangements. Freshmen who have an outstanding GPA and SAT scores may be eligible for one of the following three merit-based scholarships: the Presidential Scholarship ($12,000), the Trustee's Scholarship ($10,000), and the Veronica Founder's Scholarship ($6,000). Students must be enrolled full-time or half-time to be considered for assistance. Applicants interested in financial aid should submit the FAFSA by mid-February. Continuing Education students must be accepted in a degree program and complete a matriculation form to be eligible for financial aid.

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