Alvernia to welcome record incoming class this fall
Milestone marks the seventh consecutive year with over 475 new students
Alvernia University will welcome the largest class in university history this fall, with enrollment currently sitting at over 575 first-year and transfer students. The incoming class breaks the 2022 record of 563 first-year and transfer students. This milestone also marks the seventh consecutive year Alvernia will welcome over 475 new students. To date, the 2026 incoming class has grown by 21.89% compared to the 2025 class of over 475 first-year and transfer students.
" The largest incoming class in Alvernia’s history marks an exciting milestone in the university’s continued growth and momentum,” said President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. “Students are choosing Alvernia because they recognize the value of an education that delivers a strong return on their investment—preparing them for successful careers while equipping them to lead lives of purpose and service. As we expand our academic offerings, partnerships and footprint, we remain focused on providing a personalized, career-connected education grounded in our Franciscan values. Our commitment is clear: to ensure every Alvernia student graduates with the knowledge, experience and confidence to succeed in a rapidly changing workforce and make a meaningful impact in the world."
Academically, the incoming class holds an average GPA of 3.44. This year further acknowledges the growth of the John R. Post School of Engineering with the addition of a fifth major and first incoming class for civil engineering. This year also brings the first incoming classes in artificial intelligence; business analytics; digital humanities; and social influencing, communication and creative media.
"Academic excellence is about preparing students not only for the careers of today, but for the opportunities of tomorrow," said Provost and Chief Academic Officer Mary Ellen Wells, JD, LLM. " As we expand offerings in engineering and introduce programs that reflect the evolution of artificial intelligence and the digital landscape, we are equipping students with the knowledge, critical thinking, communication skills, hands-on experience and ethical foundation to thrive in rapidly evolving industries and contribute meaningfully to their communities."
Over 180 members of the Class of 2030 students are first-generation college students and 225 are Pell Grant-eligible. The incoming students earned an average merit scholarship award of $24,949. The class hails from 18 states (ranging from as far as Nevada, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas) and 12 countries: Saudi Arabia, Canada, Finland, Luxembourg, Kenya, Malaysia, Brazil, India, Peru, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the Philippines.
"This incoming class reflects Alvernia's commitment to expanding access to higher education and creating opportunities for students from all backgrounds to reach their goals," said Associate Vice President of Admissions Bret Krotee. "Through substantial merit scholarships, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, we are helping talented students see that a transformational Alvernia education is within reach, whether they are traveling from around the world or are local to the region.”
The record class follows Alvernia's ranking in the top echelon for Most Affordable and Popular Colleges in Pennsylvania by Research.com. It also comes on the heels of the university being named to Carnegie's 2026 High Access, High Earnings Opportunity Colleges and Universities list, recognizing institutions that expand educational access while producing strong economic outcomes for graduates. Alvernia was also recognized as a national doctoral university by U.S. News & World Report, reflecting the university's continued growth and impact.
Alvernia's Carnegie Community Engagement Classification was reaffirmed in 2026, continuing ongoing recognition since 2008, highlighting the university’s 40-hour service requirement, CollegeTowne partnerships and mission-driven impact. It also builds upon the university’s continued recognition by Colleges of Distinction, Money magazine and Berks County Living's People's Choice Awards ahead of the 2026-27 academic year, record number of conferred degrees in May, and reaffirmation of accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education last summer.