Alvernia University grants admission to students whose prior educational and life experience enhances diversity and collegiate experience for the entire student body. It is the policy of Alvernia to offer admission to applicants without regard to race, color, creed, sex, age, religion, or national origin. Application to Alvernia University is on a rolling admissions basis as is notification of acceptance to the university. Many factors are considered for admission, including academic performance, standardized test scores (optional), extracurricular activities, class rank, community involvement, and letters of recommendation. An interview may be required of select students before the Admissions Office makes a decision. Students who graduated from a secondary school, received a high school equivalency certificate, or are in good standing at regionally accredited two and four-year institutions will be considered for admission.
The university reserves the right to change its admissions policies as necessary. Every effort is made to provide advance information regarding such changes.
Questions regarding undergraduate admission to Alvernia University should be directed to the Undergraduate Admissions Office, Alvernia University, 400 Saint Bernardine Street, Reading, PA 19607,
1-888-ALVERNIA, or admissions@alvernia.edu.
First Year Undergraduate Admission Process
Students seeking admission to Alvernia University may apply any time after completion of the junior year in high school. All candidates should submit the following:
- Application for admission
- Official secondary school transcripts or record of equivalency
- Official SAT or ACT scores (optional)
High School Preparation
High school preparation should include: Four years each of English and Mathematics, three years of Social Science, and two years each of Science and Foreign Language.
Standardized Test Scores
First-year students applying for admission to the university within five years of high school graduation, and who have not attended another institution of higher education are not required to submit scores from the SAT or the ACT. Students choosing to submit standardized test scores must do so directly to the university from the testing service or the high school transcript.
Home Schooled Students
Home schooled students must submit an application for admission and an official transcript provided by the authorized educational agency. An admissions interview may also be required. Additional documentation such as course descriptions, course content, etc., may be required from the teacher or educational agency.
Notification of First Year Undergraduate Admission
Applicants are notified of a decision as soon as all credentials have been received and evaluated. Students must submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit of $300, due by May 1 or two weeks after acceptance to the university if acceptance occurs after May 1 to hold a place in the class. All offers of admission are contingent upon successful completion of the student’s high school program or equivalency.
College Credit for High School Students
High school students may enroll on a part-time basis and receive college credit at Alvernia University. Alvernia must receive written approval from the student’s parents, the high school principal and high school guidance counselor. Alvernia also offers Dual Enrollment Courses and a Pre-College Program at select high schools. For more information, please read below or contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
Re-Entry Admission Process
Students who have attended Alvernia previously and have left the university for one academic year or more or have attended another institution must re-apply for admission. Re-entry students should be in good standing to be considered for re-admission. Students wishing to return to the university must submit:
- Application for admission.
- Official transcripts of all colleges and/or universities attended since attending Alvernia. Credit may be given for coursework in which the student has earned “C” or higher in a 100-level course or higher from a regionally accredited institution (C+ or higher in fundamental sciences for Nursing students).
- Proof of High School Graduation and all official college transcripts if student has not attended Alvernia in the last five years.
Notification of Re-Entry Admission
Applicants are notified of an admission decision once all required credentials have been received and evaluated. All acceptances are contingent upon the satisfactory completion of all college coursework and maintaining the minimum transfer GPA requirements; and are subject to department chair approval in some cases. Students need to complete the Confirmation of Enrollment form and return the form to the Office of Admissions to reserve their place in the class.
Transfer Admission Process
Transfer students seeking admission to Alvernia University may apply any time. Students with at least 70 earned credits or an associate’s degree interested in seeking a bachelor’s degree may also be eligible for a transfer pathway as specified below.
Traditional undergraduate students must have a minimum transfer grade point average of 2.5 (higher for some majors) if they have earned more than 12 credits or a minimum transfer grade point average of 2.75 if they have earned less than 12 credits. Adult undergraduate students must have a minimum transfer grade point average of 2.0 higher for some majors).
Students may transfer a maximum of 75 credits (up to 90 credits for RN to BSN students) from an institution accredited by a US recognized higher education accrediting agency (currently referred to as regional accreditation agencies by CHEA). Students who meet the requirements of the signed articulation agreements with Berks Technical Institute or McCann School of Business and Technology may transfer in credits according to such signed articulation agreements.
Transfer credit may be given for college courses in which the applicant has earned a “C” or higher in a 100-level course or higher from a regionally accredited institution (C+ or higher in fundamental sciences for Nursing students). Remedial course credits are not accepted for transfer.
All candidates must submit the following:
- Application for admission.
- Official transcripts for all previous college work. An official transcript of all previous work is required whether a student has earned transfer credits or not, or whether a student wants transfer credits.
- Proof of high school graduation or equivalent.
Notification of Transfer Admission
Applicants are notified of a decision by Alvernia University as soon as all credentials have been received and evaluated. Traditional undergraduate students must submit a non-refundable enrollment deposit in the amount listed in the Fees section of the Course Catalog along with the Confirmation of Enrollment form to hold a place in the class. All acceptances are contingent upon the satisfactory completion of all college coursework and maintaining the minimum transfer GPA requirement.
Students from other nations seeking admission to Alvernia University should submit the following:
- Application for admission
- Official secondary school transcript or general equivalency diploma (GED). If the secondary school is not in the USA, Canada or Saudi Arabia, the transcript must be accompanied by a NACES member evaluation.
- Official university transcripts, accompanied by a NACES member evaluation in the case of a non-USA university.
- All international students who speak English as a second language must show proof of English proficiency scores.
- TOEFL (minimum score 550 for paper-based test, 190-213 for computer-based test, or 75-80 for the internet-based test), IELTS (minimum score 5.5) or Duolingo (85-90).
- The English proficiency score is not required for a student who has had at least two consecutive years of education in an American high school or institution of higher education. A transcript from the American school should suffice for proof of American education unless otherwise determined by the Admissions Office.
- International Student Financial Statement document
- Passport
The university uses the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to facilitate compliance with regulations set forth by the United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Notification of International Admission
Applicants are notified of a decision by Alvernia University once all credentials have been received and evaluated. Students must submit a non-refundable enrollment deposit in the amount listed in the Fees section of the Course Catalog along with the Confirmation of Enrollment form, due by May 1 or two weeks after acceptance to the university if acceptance occurs after May 1 to hold a place in the class. All offers of admission are contingent upon successful completion of the student’s high school program or equivalency. The I-20 form will be issued once the student has been accepted and has confirmed his or her enrollment to Alvernia.
Deferred Action Admissions Process
Students seeking admission to Alvernia University who qualify for Deferred Action as regulated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may apply to Alvernia University. All candidates should submit the following:
- Application for admission
- Official secondary school transcript or record of equivalency
- Official SAT or ACT scores (optional)
- Official transcripts for all previous college work. An official transcript of all previous work is required whether a student has earned transfer credits or not, or whether a student wants transfer credits.
- Personal Essay
- Copy of DHS application for Deferred Action receipt
- Notice for Biometrics appointment*
- Copy of Employment Authorization Document (EAD)*
- Copy of Social Security card*Copy of DHS Approval Notice**
*Alvernia University understands that these documents may not be available upon application. However, they must be submitted prior to the first day of classes.
** It is in the best interest of all applicants to submit copies of all DHS communication. Alvernia Admissions reserves the right to request additional documentation and/or an interview to complete the application process.
Military/Veteran Students
Alvernia University recognizes the importance of military service and thanks our students for their contributions. Students should submit all necessary admission paperwork as well as their DD214 (member 4 copy) when available. Military and veteran students are given a specific contact in Admissions and Student Financial Service to help ease their transition. Students must submit the Confirmation of Enrollment form to hold a place in the class (non-refundable $300 Enrollment Deposit is waived for military and student veterans).
A Covered Individual is any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, or chapter 33, Post-911 GI Bill ®benefits. Alvernia University will not impose any penalty on Covered Individuals, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a Covered Individual borrow additional funds, because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations due to Alvernia University due to delayed disbursement of funding from VA chapter 31 or 33.
Alvernia University requires a Covered Individual to take the following actions in order to participate in the course of education:
- Submit a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for entitlement to educational assistance no later than the first day of the course of education
- Submit a request to use such entitlement
- Provide additional information necessary for the proper certification of enrollment by Alvernia University
Alvernia University is authorized to require additional payment, impose a fee, place a financial hold on an account, or prevent access to the items listed above for the amount that is the difference in a student’s financial obligation and the amount of the VA educational benefit disbursement.
“GI Bill ® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about the education benefits offered by the VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.”
General Admission Information
Students with Special Needs
The university determines its ability to meet the specific requests of students with special needs on a case-by-case basis. Reasonable accommodations, as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), are provided when students self-identify and provide documentation to the university’s Director of Accessibility Services. The Accessibility Services Director is located in BH 105C. Details on academic accommodations for students with special needs can be found in the Academic Support Services section of this catalog.
Non-Degree Seeking Students
Students who wish to take courses at Alvernia, but do not plan to earn an Alvernia degree, may do so. These students do not need to apply for admission but should contact the Office of the Registrar for more information.
Advanced Standing
Some students may be interested in advanced standing when they enter Alvernia University. Information on Advanced Placement, Dual Credit, Challenge Examination, and CLEP is available in the Academic Information section of this catalog.
Deferring Admission
It is possible to defer an acceptance to the university for one year as long as the student does not attend any other higher educational institution. After one year, or attendance at another higher educational institution, a student must reapply for admission.
Pre-College Program
Alvernia’s Pre-College Program allows local high school students to gain college experience and earn college credits that can be transferred while still in high school. Courses will be offered on Alvernia’s beautiful campus and will be taught by Alvernia faculty. Earn up to 12 credits, taking one to three classes over the span of one year. Credits will be easily transferable and can be used as general electives at most universities. Alvernia University is accredited by The Middle States Commission of Higher Education. Credits earned at Alvernia University generally transfer to other accredited institutions if the student receives a grade of “C” or higher. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the institution they wish to attend to understand that college’s transfer/dual enrollment policy. Students must have an overall GPA of 3.0 to apply to the program. A counselor signature is also required. Once you are accepted into the Pre-College Program and know the courses you want to enroll in, a representative will be in touch about the registration process. Desired course enrollment is not guaranteed as it will be based on availability after current Alvernia students register. Students who participate in the Pre-College Program and later enroll at Alvernia as a full-time student, will receive a $1,000 scholarship in addition to any other aid and/or scholarships they are eligible for as an incoming first year undergraduate student. The price for the Pre-College program is $120 per credit, which includes required course textbooks. Lab items will not be covered.
A credit card number is required and kept on file - although no additional fees will be charged to it - to ensure rented textbooks are returned by the deadline designated by the Alvernia bookstore. Students must go to the National Student Clearinghouse to request their official transcript to be sent to another college/university. The minimum cost of sending a transcript though mail is $5.00. Electronic transcripts sent through a secure online portal have an additional $1.00 fee. If you plan on attending Alvernia University, you do not need to request a transcript be sent to us.https://tsorder.studentclearinghouse.org/school/select
Academic Pathway Option Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree Requirements
To receive a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree at Alvernia, a student must successfully complete a minimum of 123 semester credits. The total may vary according to the major program. Students must achieve a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) in all completed courses. Please note that specific majors may carry higher GPA requirements. Further, all required courses must be passed. See program descriptions and courses of study in this catalog for any program-specific grade point requirements. Students must complete 45 of their last 60 credits at Alvernia University. Students must complete 12 credits in each declared major and 9 in any declared minor at Alvernia University. Students pursuing a minor may not extend matriculation to complete the minor.
Any students requesting a variance from degree requirements must petition the Academic Standards Committee in writing and should submit supporting documents from their academic advisors as well as from the relevant departments. Contact the Registrar’s Office for the Academic Standards Committee information. All students are encouraged to participate in Commencement, which is held in May.
Seniors must submit the Graduation Application Form to the Registrar’s Office as follows: October 1 for May Graduation, December 1 for August graduation, March 1 for December graduation. The graduation application is available online in myAlvernia on the ‘Academics’ tab. A graduation fee will be charged when the application is processed.
Associate’s Degree Requirements
To receive an Associate of Science degree at Alvernia University, a student must complete a minimum of 65 semester credits. The total semester credits may vary according to major. Associate’s degree students interested in working toward a bachelor’s degree must complete the associate’s degree before accumulating credits toward the bachelor’s degree. Students must achieve a 2.0 GPA in their major field and a 2.0 cumulative GPA in all completed courses. Further, all required courses must be passed. See program descriptions and courses of study in this catalog for any program-specific grade point requirements. All associate degree candidates must complete 30 of their last 36 credits at Alvernia University. Students must complete a minimum of 9 credits in any declared major.
Any students requesting a variance from degree requirements must petition the Academic Standards Committee in writing and should submit supporting documents from their academic advisors as well as from the relevant departments.
All students are encouraged to participate in Commencement, which is held in May. Seniors must submit the Graduation Application Form to the Registrar’s Office as follows: October 1 for May Graduation, December 1 for August graduation, March 1 for December graduation. The graduation application is available online in myAlvernia on the ‘Academics’ tab. A graduation fee will be charged when the application is processed.
Transfer Student and Continuing Associate’s Degree Student Pathways to Bachelor’s Degrees Mid-Degree Program Pathway
The following students may apply for acceptance to Alvernia’s mid-degree program pathway:
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Students who have not obtained an associate’s degree but have completed at least 70 credits from colleges that are accredited by a US recognized higher education accrediting agency (currently referred to as regional accreditation agencies by CHEA) that meet transfer course requirements from Alvernia may apply for acceptance to the mid-degree program.
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Students who are former Alvernia University students with or without an Alvernia earned associate’s degree (including Alvernia associate degree graduates through dual enrolled programs), who meet the 70-credit requirement.
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Students who have earned an associate’s degree from Berks Technical Institute (“BTI”) who transfer in credits from BTI in accordance with the signed articulation agreement between Alvernia and BTI.
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Students who have earned an associate’s degree from McCann School of Business and Technology (“McCann”) who transfer in credits from McCann in accordance with the signed articulation agreement between Alvernia and McCann.
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Students who have earned a nursing diploma from an entity accredited by an accredited nursing program.
Requirements for Graduation:
-
Satisfy Alvernia’s Bachelor’s Degree Requirements for Transfer Students outlined below.
-
Complete a modified core curriculum at Alvernia to include the following (relevant transfer credits may be applied to the modified core):
| Communication |
3 |
| Composition & Research |
3 |
| Literature |
3 |
| Fine Arts |
3 |
| Mathematics |
3 |
| Science |
3 |
| Social Science |
3 |
| Ethics/Morality |
3 |
| Theology/Philosophy |
3 |
| Total Credits |
30 |
Associate’s Degree to Bachelor’s Degree Program Pathway
Students with an earned associate’s degree from an institution accredited by a US recognized higher education accrediting agency (currently referred to as regional accreditation agencies by CHEA) who are accepted as transfers into an Alvernia University degree program, need to meet the requirements set forth below to obtain a bachelor’s degree from Alvernia University. Accepted transfer students with an earned associate’s degree are acknowledged as having met our general education curriculum. Former Alvernia University students and former Berks Technical Institute students who meet the associate’s degree criteria are eligible to continue to a bachelor degree program by exercising Alvernia’s mid-degree program pathway.
Requirements for Graduation:
Bachelor’s Degree Requirements for Transfer Students
All transfer students regardless of transfer path, must satisfy the following :
Second Baccalaureate Degree
When contemplating a second baccalaureate degree, alumni of Alvernia should consult Alvernia’s Graduation Policy on the policy web page.
Second Major
When contemplating a second major, Alvernia students should consult Alvernia’s Graduation Policy on the policy web page.
Progress Toward a Degree
A student may make progress toward a degree by:
1. Completing courses at Alvernia University.
2. Transferring approved course credits from other colleges and universities.
3. Prior Learning Assessment as defined in Alvernia’s Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Policy.
Maximum Number of Credits/Charges
A maximum of 30 credits can be awarded through any combination of PLA credits. Processing and per-credit fees are charged for PLA credits. Students planning to earn credits through PLA must complete those options by the time required in Alvernia’s PLA Policy.
Transferring Credits from Other Colleges/Universities
A matriculated student who wishes to take a course at another college and transfer the credit to Alvernia must obtain and complete a transfer credit approval form from the Office of the Registrar prior to enrolling at the other institution. Transfer credits are not applicable for the repeat/delete option. No credits are transferred for courses in which grades below a “C”/2.0 (or equivalent at Alvernia) are earned. Credits that are transferred are entered on a student’s permanent record without reference to the grade earned. Grades are not transferred; only credits are recorded.
For information on consortium classes see the Academic Opportunities section of this catalog.
Dual Credit Program
Dual Credit is a program whereby a high school student enrolls in a class taught at the high school for college credit. Any high school course offered for dual credit will have been approved by the appropriate academic department at Alvernia University as being comparable to the same course given on the Alvernia campus. Dual Credit is a cost-effective way to earn college credit, and it gives students an idea of what full-time college coursework will be like.
Additionally, if a student completes and receives a B or higher in all Dual Credit courses through Alvernia University, he or she will receive a $1,000 renewable merit scholarship to Alvernia University. The student must apply and be admitted to the University, and submit their FAFSA to Alvernia, by December 1st. Courses are $980.00 per credit. Students must submit payment to their high school. Four weeks after the start of the academic semester, the responsible party at the high school will be billed for all students registered in Dual Credit courses. The High School will submit one payment to Alvernia University. Students must complete the Alvernia University Dual Credit Registration form by the designated due date. All students applying to the program must meet the requirements as defined by the course instructor to enroll in the Dual Credit course. Course instructors will forward the names of all students taking their course(s) to Alvernia University in early end of September. Dual Credit students must request special permission from Alvernia University Dual Credit Coordinator to take more than 15 credit hours. Alvernia University is accredited by The Middle States Commission of Higher Education. Credits earned at Alvernia University generally transfer to other accredited institutions if the student receives a grade of “C” or higher. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the institution they wish to attend to understand that university’s specific transfer/Dual Credit policy. Alvernia University does not reimburse students for the cost of the Dual Credit course(s) taken that do not transfer to another college or university. Students must go to the National Student Clearinghouse to request their official transcript to be sent to another college/university. The minimum cost of sending a transcript though mail is $5.00. Electronic transcripts sent through a secure online portal have an additional $1.00 fee. If you plan on attending Alvernia University, you do not need to request a transcript be sent to us.
https://tsorder.studentclearinghouse.org/school/select.
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