Alvernia University is a private Franciscan institution located in Reading, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1958, it operates as a nonprofit university affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. Private universities like Alvernia rely on tuition, donations, and endowments rather than state funding. This distinction influences its governance, tuition structure, and academic programs. Alvernia offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees with a focus on liberal arts, professional studies, and community engagement. Its private status allows for smaller class sizes and a values-based education rooted in Franciscan traditions.
