READING, Pa. – Friday’s move-in marks a big milestone for Alvernia University as the school welcomes its largest class in university history.

Alvernia’s first-year class currently includes 575 first-year and transfer students. The incoming class holds an average GPA of 3.44, the school says.

School officials say the incoming class breaks the 2022 record of 563 first-year and transfer students.

This milestone also marks the seventh consecutive year Alvernia will welcome over 475 new students, officials say.

The school shared that the 2026 incoming class has grown by 21.89% compared to the 2025 class of over 475 first-year and transfer students.

“The largest incoming class in Alvernia’s history marks an exciting milestone in the university’s continued growth and momentum,” said President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D.

“Our commitment is clear: to ensure every Alvernia student graduates with the knowledge, experience, and confidence to succeed in a rapidly changing workforce and make a meaningful impact in the world,” the president added.

According to the university, over 180 members of the Class of 2030 are first-generation college students.

The school says this class hails from 18 states and 12 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Finland, Kenya, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

“This incoming class reflects Alvernia’s commitment to expanding access to higher education and creating opportunities for students from all backgrounds to reach their goals,” said Associate Vice President of Admissions Bret Krotee.

“Through substantial merit scholarships, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, we are helping talented students see that a transformational Alvernia education is within reach, whether they are traveling from around the world or are local to the region,” Krotee added.

The record class follows Alvernia’s ranking in the top echelon for Most Affordable and Popular Colleges in Pennsylvania by Research.com.

It also comes on the heels of the university being named to Carnegie’s 2026 High Access, High Earnings Opportunity Colleges and Universities list, which recognizes institutions that expand educational access while producing strong economic outcomes for graduates.