Alvernia University and Reading Area Community College expand transfer agreement

David Mekeel, Reading Eagle, Pa.
·2 min read

Aug. 18—Alvernia University and Reading Area Community College have expanded an agreement that allows RACC graduates to transfer to Alvernia to continue their education.

The two Berks County school announced this week that they have introduced an expanded dual admissions transfer agreement. The agreement allows students who graduate from RACC with an associate's degree to enroll in one of Alvernia's baccalaureate degree programs.

"RACC is committed to creating academic partnerships, especially in Berks County, that encourage students to complete their associate degree before transferring to a four-year institution," Dr. Susan Looney, RACC president, said in a statement announcing the agreement. "Our graduates are highly valued by our college and university partners, and we are excited that President (John) Loyack and Alvernia have committed to a seamless transfer to their bachelor's degree programs."

Student will received junior status at Alvernia and be able to complete a bachelor's degree in two years. Students will also be eligible to receive annual academic scholarships from Alvernia of up to $21,000 for traditional students and up to $2,000 for accelerated adult bachelor programs.

"As a university that is deeply committed to transforming the lives of our students and ensuring we have a high quality workforce, we look forward to working with our downtown Reading neighbor RACC," Loyack said in the statement. "This agreement will not only provide resources and financial assistance to students to transform lives through training and value-based education at Alvernia but will also foster a natural pipeline of skilled graduates to businesses and organizations in greater Reading, Berks County and eastern Pennsylvania."

Prior to the expansion, RACC and Alvernia enabled transfers through the Reading Collegiate Scholars Program. That program, which began in 2019, offered full tuition at Alvernia to students who live in Reading, maintain a 3.0 or higher grade point average and are enrolled full time.

In it's first year the program provided two scholarships and last year provided six. The program will continue to operate.

For more information on the expanded transfer agreement visit alvernia.edu/admissions-aid/transfer-students/transfer-partnerships/transfer-partnership-racc-alvernia.

For more information on the Reading Collegiate Scholars Program visit alvernia.edu/admissions-aid/scholarships/reading-collegiate-scholars/rcsp-scholarships-racc-transfers.