The university is recognized as a leader in social mobility among national universities

For the second consecutive year, Alvernia University has earned the title of Best National University of 2024, US News and World Report after climbing 21 places in the rankings to become one of the nation’s top 300 universities. This marks the fifth consecutive year that Alvernia has been at the highest level of its designation among colleges and universities, and for the first time in the university’s history, it has been recognized as a Top 100 University for Social Mobility.

“As we continue our growth as a regional comprehensive university, we are grateful for the improved ranking from US News and World Report,” said Alvernia President Dr. Glynis A. Fitzgerald. “Our recognition as a university committed to social mobility is a testament to our mission to serve the underserved in our communities. I thank our faculty, staff, alumni and community partners whose mission-focused excellence ensures transformational educational outcomes for all of our students and enables us to be an agent of positive change throughout Eastern Pennsylvania.”

From 2019 to 2021, the university was ranked among the top 100 regional universities in the North, but its continued expansion of research and academic programming paved the way for a higher ranking. According to US News & World Report, the nation’s universities offer a range of undergraduate majors as well as master’s and doctoral programs and emphasize faculty research or award doctorates in professional practice. In its second year of eligibility, Alvernia earned a No. 296 ranking in that group.

“Our dedicated faculty and staff continue to seek innovative ways to serve our students and our community, and the notable rise in the rankings is a testament to their shared commitment to the university’s mission,” said Senior Vice President and Provost Leamor Kahanov, Ed. .D. “Our alumni should view this recognition as a validation of the incredible work they have done during their time at Alvernia and continue to do in service to our communities here and around the world.”

In addition, Alvernia climbed 55 spots to rank 84 out of 443 in the Social Mobility Indicator, which measures the graduation rate of Pell Grant recipients. Students who receive these scholarships typically come from households with family incomes below $50,000 annually, with most of the money going to students with combined family incomes below $20,000.

“Today’s student faces tremendous pressure and challenges in financing the investment in their education,” said Alvernia University Senior Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs Mary-Alice Ozechoski. “We pride ourselves on providing access to an affordable, values-based higher education environment for economically disadvantaged and first-generation students as they strive to improve their lives and the lives of their families. The Reading Collegiate Scholars Program, merit awards and dual admission agreements continue the deep-rooted tradition of Franciscan Bernardines of providing strong support systems for students and meeting families where they are.”

According to US News and World Report, the nation’s universities offer a full range of undergraduate majors as well as master’s and doctoral programs. These faculties are also committed to producing ground-breaking research. They were there significant changes in methodology recorded this year. Colleges and universities are ranked by 19 criteria in six key categories: student outcomes, peer review, faculty resources and research, standardized testing, financial resources and borrower debt. Read more about the methodology here

Alvernia University has also recently received national support as Colleges of Distinction (COD) for the fourth consecutive year and ranked among Money Magazine’s Best Colleges for 2023 rankings.