Explore What Inspires You
Find Your Program
Online Degrees
Student-Teacher Ratio
of students gain real-world experience before graduation
of graduates are employed or in grad school within 6 months
hours of student-driven community service annually
Why Alvernia?
Breaking Ground, Remaining Grounded
At Alvernia, we care. When you are here, you feel it. Our Franciscan heritage fosters a culture of care that touches all of our students and employees. 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.
Upcoming Events
Adult Education Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Virtual Information Session
- Oct 23, 2026
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
- Zoom Virtual Event
Students in our adult bachelor's programs are invited to attend a virtual information session, where you will learn about the opportunities and resources available to you as an Alvernia student.
Grad & Adult Admissions
Information Session
- Oct 24, 2026
- 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Are you starting your college search? Come experience what it's like to be part of the Alvernia University community! Our Information Sessions are the perfect opportunity for prospective students and their families to explore campus, learn about academic programs, and discover what makes Alvernia unique.
Admissions
Innovation Runway
- Oct 24, 2026
- 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Alvernia University, Francis Hall Atrium
Join us for 2026 Innovation Runway, a fashion show fundraiser celebrating creativity, innovation and sustainability through the Total Experience Learning® framework at Alvernia University. This exciting showcase puts student designers from Alvernia University’s Sustainable Fashion Momentum Makers Summer Camp in the spotlight, sharing the runway with professional designers specializing in sustainable and upcycled fashion. Through research, experimentation and hands-on design, students explore real-world challenges in fashion and transform their ideas into original creations for the runway.
Total Experience Learning
Anthony Kuklinski '23, MAOL '25
When an Alvernia student graduates, they are ready to face real life situations and go right into a workplace and do the best that they can possibly do. I just really, really love this school.
Community Engagement
Total Experience Learning®
At the Total Experience Learning (TExpL)® Institute, learning isn’t confined to the classroom, it’s an adventure that connects knowledge to the real world.
Holleran Center
The Holleran Center for Community and Global Engagement empowers students to engage with the community through service, learning, and leadership, creating meaningful impact in Reading and beyond.
O'Pake Institute
The O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship allows students to work with entrepreneurs, small businesses, regional partners and faculty.
Success Stories
"Alvernia recognized me as a person and gave me the love and care that I needed mentally," said former football captain Jamel Fleming '25. Read his story and other tales of leadership, service, and innovation that reflect Alvernia's mission. Ready to see where your story begins? Explore how you can join a community that leads with purpose.
Recent News
Alvernia University’s O’Pake Institute launches O’Make Space to expand student innovation and entrepreneurship
Student-driven makerspace expands Spark Business Incubator services while creating hands-on learning opportunities
Alvernia honors community leaders, alumni at annual President’s Dinner
Honorees from Greater Reading, Schuylkill County and Lehigh Valley receive recognition for impact on respective communities and the university
Century of Francis Hall celebrated at Homecoming & Family Weekend
A century after Francis Hall, the beating heart of Alvernia, opened as an orphanage, the university shone a spotlight on the building with a slate of activities.
Locations
Alvernia has two instructional sites in Reading, a location in Pottsville and a soon-to-open Allentown location. It also offers courses and resources to residents in Montgomery County and North Philadelphia through partnerships in those regions.