Frequently Asked Questions
While you’re becoming an online student, you may have questions. Here are the answers to common ones.
Financial Aid
- Yes, students who file the FAFSA may be eligible for Federal Pell Grant or PA State Grant awards. However, since our online tuition rates are already discounted, we do not offer additional internal scholarships or grants. However, we encourage students to apply for external scholarships.
- Yes, you must reapply each year.
- No. You may apply for financial aid before you are accepted, but you will not receive a financial aid package until you are accepted and have registered for your courses.
- Yes. Check with your enrollment counselor to see if you may be eligible.
- Yes, you must earn at least 67 percent of your credits attempted each semester, in addition to maintaining a minimum grade point average to keep receiving your financial aid. For more information please contact the Office of Student Financial Services at (610) 796-8201.
- You should not skip filling out the FAFSA. The rules change every year, and you may be eligible for more financial aid than you’d expect.
- If you are an undergraduate student, you may be eligible for grants as determined by filing the FAFSA, which do not have to be paid back. However, not all undergraduate students will receive grants. We also offer several payment plan options to spread the cost over several months.
- There are several programs you could be eligible for, including the Federal Pell Grant, federal loans, and, if you are a Pennsylvania resident, the PA State Grant.
- There are several programs you could be eligible for. The Federal Pell Grant and federal loan programs provide assistance to eligible students attending school part time. If you are a Pennsylvania resident, you may be eligible for a PA State Grant.
- Yes. For information on how to apply to Alvernia as a transfer student, visit our Transfer Credits page.
- No. Alvernia bills students one semester at a time and you are welcome to use our installment payment plan. Visit our Payment Plan page for information.
- After receiving your financial aid package, you should read it and respond by the stated deadline. For more information please contact the Office of Student Financial Services at (610) 796-8201.
- Our Title IV code is 003233.
- The FAFSA form is available October 1 of each year. We encourage students to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1. Students who complete the FAFSA for 2022-2023 have from October 1, 2021 through June 30, 2023 to submit the FAFSA, students/parents will enter 2020 income information; the FAFSA for 2023-2024 will be available October 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024, students/parents will enter 2021 income information.
- If your financial circumstances change, call the Financial Aid Office at (610) 796-8201 or email sfs@alvernia.edu. They will let you know what procedures to follow so we can help you obtain additional financial aid.
- We are pleased to announce we have established a partnership with Inceptia to expedite the federal verification process for Alvernia University. Verification Gateway (VG) from Inceptia is an online portal to guide students and parents through verification. If your FAFSA application is selected for verification by the U.S Department of Education, you will receive an email from VGCS@inceptia.org, or postcard from Inceptia, containing Alvernia University’s unique website link to start the verification process. We encourage you to begin the verification process within 7 days of receiving notification from Verification Gateway to ensure you receive your financial aid in time for payments. Failure to complete the verification process could result in the delay or denial of your financial aid. For more information on this process, creating your portal and uploading documents please click here.
General
- Alvernia’s tutoring center is known as the Academic Success Center. At the ASC, students can access individual tutoring for most 100- and 200-level courses, group study sessions, supplemental instruction and skill workshops, as well as academic coaching.
If you have any questions about programs and the enrollment process, one of our friendly enrollment counselors would be happy to help you. To get in touch with one of them, you can request more information.
We accept up to 75 transfer credits for bachelor's programs and up to six credits for our graduate and certification programs. For information about transferring, visit our Transfer Credits page.
- Yes, our online students are an extension of our community. While we offer an online library, you are welcome to visit our on-campus library and other amenities.
You can conveniently apply to any of our programs through our online application.
- From the time you apply to the day you graduate, we offer support for all aspects of the educational experience. We provide our students with a high-quality, practical education that is combined with individualized attention. Our faculty members have real-world experience in their respective fields. Alvernia is additionally committed to developing ethical leaders. As one of the few Franciscan institutions in the U.S., our values-based learning philosophy is guided by the ideal of “knowledge joined with love,” which shapes both our educational philosophy and strong community.
Our terms are seven weeks long, with two terms per semester, three semesters per year.
We offer six start dates throughout the year, so you can begin your program when it's convenient for you. To choose a start date, view our Academic Calendar.
- You will not automatically receive a student ID. You can apply for a student ID in-person or by submitting documentation online. Ask your enrollment counselor for details.
Military Benefits
- No, you only need to complete the Veterans Benefit Request Form (Green Sheet) for the winter term or summer semester if you would like to utilize your benefits. We recommend submitting the form to the VA Certifying Official on the same day you register for classes.
- To start your GI Bill benefits, contact the VA Certifying Official by phone at 610-796-8356 or by email at financialaid@alvernia.edu. They will provide information and forms and answer any questions you may have about the process.
- It usually takes about 8 to 10 weeks for initial processing of your application. Once you have been added to the system and you verify your enrollment monthly, you will receive regular monthly benefit payments.
- Yes, as a Military Friendly School, we proudly offer military members and veterans benefits. For information, visit our Military & Veterans page.
- No, you only need to complete the Veterans Benefit Request Form (Green Sheet) for the winter term or summer semester if you would like to utilize your benefits. We recommend submitting the form to the VA Certifying Official on the same day you register for classes. The VA Certifying Official provides your enrollment information to your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.
- The EAP will not pay for the course if you drop it during the drop/add period, and you will be responsible for any tuition charges. If you withdraw from a class after the drop/add period, EAP will pay your tuition. We recommend that you do not drop or withdraw from any courses prior to contacting the VA Certifying Official by phone at 610-796-8356.
- Yes, you must complete the Change of Place of Training form: VA Form 22-1995 (for veterans) or VA Form 22-5495 (for dependents).
- You may use up to 36 months of one benefit and 12 months of another, but you cannot exceed a total of 48 months. If you have questions of which benefit to use, it is recommended that you visit the GI Bill website and “Ask a Question” or call the VA at 1-888-442-4551.
- Visit the GI Bill website and “Ask a Question” or call the VA at 1-888-442-4551. Those who are Chapters 30, 1606 and 1607 must verify their enrollment each month to receive their monthly benefits payments. You can verify your enrollment on the last calendar day of the month through the VA Web Automated Verification Enrollment or by calling the VA at 1-877-823-2378. If you have yet to receive payment but have verified your enrollment, please call the VA at 1-888-442-4551.
- You are eligible for more funding through Chapter 30. Once those benefits have been exhausted and you have used up your 36 months of Chapter 30 benefits, you can use up to 12 months of Chapter 1606 or 1607 benefits. However, it is recommended that you contact the VA to determine what options are best for your situation.
- You may be eligible to continue using your benefits after you are discharged if you have established Chapter 1607 benefits before you are separated. You may be eligible to revert back to remaining Chapter 1606 benefits for the number of months you were deployed plus four months. In all cases, the VA determines eligibility. It is recommended you contact the VA at 1-888-442-4551 before making separation decisions.
- Contact the VA Certifying Official by phone at 610-796-8356 immediately if you drop a course. The VA will be notified and your benefit may be adjusted. We recommend that you do not drop any courses prior to contacting the VA Certifying Official. If you drop more than six credits while receiving GI Bill benefits, you may have to repay some or all of your benefit.
Studying Online
- Typically, you don’t need to take the GRE/GMAT or ACT/SAT. Check with your enrollment counselor for details.
- We offer three 14-week semesters that are divided into two seven-week terms. This allows you to focus on one or two classes at a time rather than juggle four or more classes each semester.
The time to completion varies by program and the amount of transfer credits, if available. Typically, our bachelor’s programs take up to four years to complete. Our MBA program can be completed in as little as one year. The M.Ed. with Special Education Certification takes two years to complete, and our Special Education Certification can be completed in 1.5 years.
- Our classes are fully online and asynchronous, meaning that you can log on at any point during the day as long as assignments are submitted before deadlines.
- All exams are offered through our online classroom on Blackboard. We do not require you to visit campus at all. Every course will differ, but most exams are open-book and timed.
- As an online student, you're still a part of the Alvernia community. We have enrollment counselors and advisers who work closely with you for the duration of your program. You’ll also have access to the online library and tutoring services.
- No, there will be no need to come to campus for our online programs. However, you are always welcome to visit campus to use our library and other resources.
Tuition and Transferring
- You can transfer up to 75 credits for our undergraduate programs and up to six credits for our graduate and certification programs. Visit our Transfer Credits page for information.
- The cost of our programs vary. To view a full list of tuition rates and fees, visit our Cost & Fees page for information.