Alvernia University

Overview

Alvernia University was founded by the Bernardine Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis in 1958. It was first founded as a college for the sisters but soon it turned into a 4-year liberal arts college. Francis Hall, the college's first building, originally sheltered an orphanage in 1926. The college became co-ed in 1971 accepting its first male resident students.

Out of more than 1,500 universities and colleges in the Northeast region, Alvernia University is ranked 96. Therefore, Alvernia University is in the top hundred colleges in the Northeast region of the United States, that too for the second year consecutively. Alvernia has always been aiding its students discover their hidden talents, find their passions, and have happy and successful lives.

Students of Alvernia University graduate amazingly prepared for achieving success in their workplace via experiential learning. 95% of students, in the past five years, have been in graduate school or employed within six months of their graduation.

It does not matter where students are from, Alvernia is accepting students from all nationalities into its university. The International Admissions department of Alvernia is responsible for guiding each international student, not only with their visa processes but also with the unique needs of each student. In most cases, Alvernia University awards each international student with a housing scholarship to meet the costs of room and board.

Alvernia University offers a variety of courses across the broad categories of

• Business & Economics
• Arts & Humanities
• Life Sciences
• Physical Sciences
• Social Sciences
• Computer Science
• Education
• Law
• Clinical, Pre-Clinical & Health

Alvernia University provides its students with a lot of help regarding their career development. The Office of Career Development provides support to the students as they navigate through every stage of career planning, occupational exploration, and job seeking. Students will be able to gather experience and knowledge about jobs and prepare confidently through intentional programs, partnerships, and services for life beyond Alvernia.

The university helps its students and alumni by making internship and job listings through Handshake, cover letter, and résumé reviews through appointment, industry, and employer connection events, job search assistance, skill assessments, individual career coaching, mock interviews, internship and career fairs, and networking opportunities.

Alvernia presents limitless opportunities for its students to gain problem-solving, leadership, team building, and collaboration skills. With over fifty campus organizations and clubs, students sharpen lifetime skills that are essential for any field of study. These campus clubs and student activities can offer students to connect with surrounding communities all over Reading and Berks County, Pennsylvania.

Students can learn lifelong lessons outside the classroom through engagement, service, and leadership. In these ways, Alvernia students contribute over 60 thousand hours of community service per year, attain real-world experience and help Alvernia University be deeply rooted in the community.