Students Affected by College Closings 

Higher education faces immense challenges with a changing landscape, which sadly includes the closure of longstanding institutions that have served communities and generations of students. Guided by our Franciscan core values, Alvernia University is ready to provide a lending hand to students affected by their college or university’s closure. We understand this is a difficult time for students and their families as they decide on their educational future. At Alvernia, we are prepared to provide a smooth transition for both undergraduate and graduate students by offering completion scholarships, expedited admissions and generous credit transfers. Find out more by contacting James Maltby at 610-790-1942 or james.maltby@alvernia.edu, or email our Admissions Office. 

Helping you Navigate the Process

Students seeking to transfer for traditional day courses and complete an Undergraduate (Bachelor's) degree should connect with James Maltby (610-790-1942 or james.maltby@alvernia.edu) and apply for admission to the daytime undergraduate program of choice.

Those wishing to transfer credits to complete a degree online at an accelerated pace or earn a graduate (Master's or Ph.D.) degree should contact Graduate and Adult Education at 610-796-5178 or gradandadult@alvernia.edu. 

Apply Today

For all students, the first step is to apply, which can be done easily online. Once we have received your application for enrollment, we will guide you along the transfer path, from submitting transcripts to registering for classes. 

Undergraduate Transfer FAQs

Do I have to transfer to Alvernia in the fall semester?

No. Alvernia has rolling admissions, so you can apply at any time. We’re happy to welcome you to the Alvernia community beginning in either the fall or spring semester. Contact James Maltby at 610-790-1942 or james.maltby@alvernia.edu, or email the Undergraduate Admissions Office to discuss your situation.

 

What kind of grades do I need to transfer to Alvernia?

You’ll need to have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (higher for some majors) from a regionally accredited two- or four-year institution. A maximum of 75 credits will be accepted in transfer. You must complete a minimum of 45 credits at Alvernia to receive your degree. After you have completed the application process, we’ll review your application for admission and do an official transfer evaluation to determine your academic class level.
 

How many credits I will need to complete my bachelor’s degree?

After you have completed the application process, we’ll review your application for admission and do an official transfer evaluation to determine your academic class level. Log in to Transferology to see how your previous credits transfer to Alvernia. You can also refer to the Academic Completion Plans for an overview of major requirements at Alvernia.
 

What does Alvernia offer me as a transfer student?

Learning for real life, for starters.  At the university, preparing you for a career and getting you ready for a successful and rewarding future is a priority. Alvernia offers you a breadth of academic and specialized, career-oriented fields of study with a boundary-free learning approach that gives you choices and options, and is grounded in the real world. Most importantly, you’ll get the training and knowledge needed to land that first job in whatever field you choose, with a degree from a university that employers and grad schools respect.

Then there's the caliber of our faculty. They’re more than professors. They’re experts, advisers and mentors, and they’re dedicated—to you. They devote their time and attention to you, to help you acquire the knowledge and skills you need to move into the real world after graduation. Alvernia has an average 14:1 student-faculty ratio, with fewer than 20 students in most classes so you’ll get the individual attention that can make the difference in your future success.
 

Can I live on-campus as a transfer student?

Absolutely, and we hope you do. Alvernia’s student housing is well known for offering a variety of spacious and clean accommodations that make living on campus your best bet. We invite you to come see for yourself! Call the Admissions Office at 888-ALVERNIA (610-796-8269) to talk to our transfer coordinator or schedule a campus visit.
 

Grad and Adult Transfer FAQs

Could my credits from a local institute transfer into my degree?

Alvernia does have partnerships with some local institutes, including Berks Technical Institute, PACE Institute, and McCann School of Business, as well as for some EMT and Police Academy programs. Your Enrollment Coordinator will review all your transcripts to see what may apply.
 

What is Credit for Life Experience (or otherwise known as Prior Learning Assessment or PLA)?

As an adult learner, you may have work or life experience that could be deemed equivalent to college-level learning. This experience can be considered for credit towards an undergraduate degree.
 

How will my applicable life experience be evaluated?

Your Student Success Coach will work with you and department chairs to determine if a portfolio of work or challenge exam may be appropriate.  Alvernia will also except credits for 3rd-party exams, such as CLEP testing.
 

When will my Credit for Life Experience be evaluated?

At Alvernia, our focus is to help you make a smooth transition back into the classroom or into college classes for the first time. To be your most successful, we encourage focusing on your classwork and acclimating to Alvernia life during your first semester. Your Student Success Coach will then work with you to gather all supporting materials needed for assessment for credits.