Alvernia University
Alvernia University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Alvernia University at a Glance
Alvernia University is a private Franciscan university in Reading, Pennsylvania. Founded as Alvernia College in 1958 by the Bernardine Sisters of St. Francis, the school gained university status in 2008.
1958
68 years old
2,796
2,314 undergrad · 482 grad
121 acres
Identity
Is Alvernia University Worth It?
At a value score of 28/100, Alvernia University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $55,055 — 2% above average — while paying $28,138/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 57% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Alvernia University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Alvernia University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in PA
Ranked #51 of 72 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of St Francis | 81 | $13,006 | $63,926 |
| #2 | Carroll University | 67 | $15,193 | $58,009 |
| #3 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #4 | Augustana College | 53 | $22,736 | $62,971 |
| #5 | Coe College | 48 | $18,745 | $57,125 |
| #6 | Drew University | 47 | $24,280 | $63,646 |
| #51 | Alvernia University | 28 | $28,138 | $55,055 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Alvernia University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in PA.
Best Programs at Alvernia University
The highest-earning program at Alvernia University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $63,500/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Communication and Media Studies at $29,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Alvernia University earns $63,500, while a Communication and Media Studies graduate earns $29,900. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Communication and Media Studies.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $28,138/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $63,500 | $63,500 | $27,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $44,300 | $44,300 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $40,000 | $40,000 | $29,585 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $37,600 | $37,600 | $27,000 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $36,000 | $36,000 | $33,881 |
| Social Work | $33,800 | $33,800 | $31,000 |
| Psychology, General | $31,400 | $31,400 | $27,000 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $31,400 | $31,400 | $26,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $29,900 | $29,900 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in PA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Reading, PA
- Student Body
- 2,152 students
- Admission Rate
- 58%
- Graduation Rate
- 57%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $28,138
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $55,055
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000