The origin of Alvernia University started in 1926 when the Bernardine Sisters of the Third Order of Saint Francis established an orphanage in the building now known as Francis Hall. Eventually, the orphanage became an elementary school. In 1958, the institution, which began as a college for the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, became a four-year liberal arts school. It then received its charter from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1960.
Alvernia soon opened its doors to female students from the laity, while the first male students were enrolled in 1971. Since that time, the University has grown in both educational opportunities and enrolment.
Alvernia’s student population has grown from 23 freshmen and 8 sophomores in 1958 to a current enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, men and women. Alvernia grants degrees as Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Social Work, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
In 1999, graduate programs were added and had grown to include seven Master’s degrees (MA, MBA, MED, MSOT, MA-Community Counseling, MALS, MSN) and a recently added PhD program in leadership.
On September 25, 2008, officials announced that it had attained university status and would be hereafter known as Alvernia University.