In 2008 Alvernia College, a four-year Catholic comprehensive professional college with a liberal arts core, changed its name to Alvernia University. The educational institution was founded by the Bernardine Sisters of the Order of Saint Francis of Assisi in the Franciscan tradition.

In addition to its main campus in Reading, PA, Alvernia University has two satellite campuses - one in Philadelphia and the other in Pottsville.

Academics
Alvernia University offers numerous campus degree programs, the most popular of which are Behavioral Health Studies, Business, Criminal Justice, Education, and Nursing. Types of degrees available at the undergraduate level include Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Bachelor of Social Work; graduate level degrees students can pursue are Master of Business Administration, Master of Education, Master of Arts in Community Counseling, Master of Arts in Liberal Studies, Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and there is one program at the doctoral level, which is a Ph.D. in Leadership. There is also a two-year Associate in Science degree program and weekend and evening programs for working professionals and students whose schedule should be adjusted.

Alvernia University offers unique opportunity for working professional to pursue their degree at the convenient for them time and place while taking courses online. The online courses usually require some face-to-face meetings.

Alvernia University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

Financial Aid
All students at Alvernia University are encouraged to apply for some form of financial aid. The latter includes a variety of types: scholarships, awards, grants, loans, work-study programs and more.