Alvernia defines the community. It is a vibrant intellectual environment in which students learn, discover, give and grow as leaders with moral courage.


Guided by Franciscan values and the ideal of “knowledge joined with love,” and rooted in the Catholic and liberal arts traditions, Alvernia is a rigorous, caring, and inclusive learning community committed to academic excellence and to being and fostering:

  • Broadly educated, life-long learners;
  • Reflective professionals and engaged citizens;
  • And ethical leaders with moral courage.

About

Statue by the Grotto
A Franciscan Tradition
Alvernia fosters the missionary spirit of the Bernardine Sisters, valuing diversity of thought, faiths, and cultures, where creativity is celebrated and service is paramount.
Francis Hall aerial view
Core Values
The Alvernia community embraces service, humility, peacemaking, contemplation and collegiality.
Alvernia University sign at main entrance
History
It began in 1926 when the Bernardine Sisters established an orphanage in Francis Hall.
Alvernia banners on lightpoles
Strong Reputation
Alvernia consistently ranks among U.S. News and World Report’s top regional universities in the North.
Chloe Gletow volunteering at Millmont Elementary
Real World Learning
Defining the Alvernia experience, experiential and service learning empowers students to apply knowledge through hands-on practice, building a solid foundation for real-world success.
The campus quad
Reading Campus
Alvernia’s Reading campus boasts a thriving living and learning environment in historical Berks County, PA. Home to about 3,000 students and stretching across 121 acres, the Reading campus is within a short drive to Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C. and New York City.
Alvernia University Philadelphia Center exterior
Philadelphia Campus
The Philadelphia Campus combines the convenience of Philadelphia with Alvernia’s signature values.
Pottsville campus rendering
Pottsville Campus
The Pottsville Campus meets the needs of busy professionals seeking career-advancement.
Adult education student working at Penske
Other Locations
Alvernia partners with businesses and colleges, offering convenient, on-site programs.
Faculty Focus Day
Sunday Funday Open House
DPT Partner School Information Session
Meet Your Major Open House
Faculty Focus Day
Packapalooza 2024