Alvernia University is a great place to get an education. But don't just take our word for it.
 

  • 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.
  • Alvernia earned the 2024 Best National University designation by U.S. News & World Report after climbing 21 spots in the rankings to be among the top 300 national universities. This marked the fifth consecutive year that Alvernia was among the colleges and universities in the top tier of its designation. Additionally, for the first time in university history, Alvernia was recognized as a Top 100 university for social mobility. Alvernia climbed 55 spots, ranking 84 out of 443 in the social mobility indicator, which measures the graduation rate of Pell Grant recipients.
  • In 2024, Alvernia earned national endorsements as a College of Distinction for the fifth consecutive year in the following categories: 2024-2025, Catholic, Pennsylvania, equity and inclusion, nursing, education, business, military support and career development. The university was also ranked among Money Magazine’s Best Colleges for the second year in a row. Alvernia was among 745 colleges recognized using Money.com's new scoring system, which assesses 26 factors centered around affordability, financial aid packages, outcomes for graduates and overall quality.
  • Abound, an organization that helps adult learners find the best higher education opportunities, recognized Alvernia as one of the Top 100 Best Online Colleges for Adults in 2023. The university also received recognition in three other categories: Best Online Colleges North, Best Online Colleges Pennsylvania, and Best Online Colleges for Military and Veterans.
  • Alvernia was recognized as the preferred Berks County college or university in the 2023 People’s Choice Who’s Who in Business listing for the third consecutive year. The People’s Choice is an annual scientific survey that reaches out to thousands of residents to ask about their experiences. That information is used to determine which businesses and organizations have fostered positive consumer relationships over the years by providing valuable services and displaying a commitment to quality.
  • Alvernia was awarded the Colleges of Distinction’s Career Development Badge for 2022-23 for providing exceptional support during every stage of students’ college experience. Alvernia’s Office of Career Development gives students the support they need to explore their career field and begin job applications.
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About

Students on Alvernia's campus in fall 2023.
Why Choose Alvernia?
• A nationally ranked comprehensive regional university, Alvernia offers more than 50 majors and minors.
• An ever-expanding number of experiential learning opportunities includes internships, field experiences, co-ops, research projects, and study/service abroad programs.
• A rich campus life allows students to enjoy a full calendar of activities and events, more than 50 clubs, intramural sport and student leadership and governance opportunities.
• In growth mode, Alvernia continues to add value to its student experience: expanding academic programming in new facilities; adding student living space and updating residence halls; partnering with a community health provider; and adding amenities including a game room and new performance space.


Military Friendly

  • Colleges of Distinction awarded Alvernia University with its silver Military Support Badge for 2024-25. Alvernia received this award for continually providing a high level of support for its active military duty and veteran students. Alvernia is one of the few institutions across the country that has a physical Veterans Center. This hub offers the resources, support, and advocacy necessary to succeed in higher education. The Veterans Success Team, comprised of a Veterans Center Coordinator and three student veterans, encourages participation in military organizations, develops outreach programs to enlighten the campus community about veteran culture, history, and raises awareness about issues surrounding veterans and their families. 

  • Alvernia is recognized as Yellow Ribbon Select School by MilitarySupportiveColleges.com for being an institution that is among the best place for any veteran, active duty service member, or anyone from their families using military educational benefits to earn a degree and for effective use of the VA’s Yellow Ribbon Program.


Program Accolades

Below is a list of rankings and accolades for our academic offerings:

Addictions and Mental Health Treatment
Business
Criminal Justice
Digital Media Marketing
Education
  • In 2023, Alvernia's early childhood education program was recognized by the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for its rigorous preparation of future teachers in how to teach reading, earning an “A” grade in the NCTQ report, Teacher Prep Review: Strengthening Elementary Reading Instruction. The program is among just 23% nationwide and three in Pennsylvania to earn an “A” from NCTQ for meeting standards set by literacy experts for coverage of the most effective methods of reading instruction often called the “science of reading.”
  • Alvernia's education programs earned a 2023-24 national endorsement from Colleges of Distinction (COD), an online platform that aids college-bound students in the college decision process and honors colleges and universities for their excellence. 
Nursing