Colleges in Reading, Pennsylvania
7 colleges and universities — federal Scorecard data.
There are 7 colleges and universities in Reading, Pennsylvania (3 Private nonprofit, 2 Private for-profit, 2 Public). The figures below are pulled from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard — the same federal dataset colleges are required to report to.
Across all 7 institutions, the median net price after grants and scholarships works out to about $22,190 per year, the median 6-year graduation rate is 50.7%, schools that report admissions data accept a median 67% of applicants.
The median net price in Reading runs about $2,122 higher than the Pennsylvania statewide median of $20,069.
Whether you're comparing in-state public tuition, looking for a private nonprofit with strong outcomes, or trying to find the right program in Reading, the table below lets you sort every institution side-by-side on cost, admissions, graduation rate, and size.
Median net price
$22,190
After aid
Median grad rate
50.7%
6-year
Median admission rate
67%
Median enrollment
1,217
Undergrad
All colleges in Reading
Sorted by enrollment.
| School | State | Type | Net price | Grad rate | Admission | Size | Data | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Area Community College Reading, PA | PA | Public, 2-year | $9,228 | 33.6% | Not available | 3,703 | Partial | |
| Alvernia University Reading, PA | PA | Private nonprofit, 4-year | $28,138 | 55.5% | 58% | 2,152 | Complete | |
| Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks Reading, PA | PA | Public, 4-year | $24,356 | 31.5% | 99% | 1,872 | Complete | |
| Albright College Reading, PA | PA | Private nonprofit, 4-year | $20,024 | 50.7% | 76% | 1,217 | Complete | |
| Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences Reading, PA | PA | Private nonprofit, 2-year | $28,415 | 33.3% | 29% | 294 | Complete | |
| American Barber and Beauty Academy Reading, PA | PA | Private for-profit, <2-year | Not available | 88.1% | Not available | 104 | Partial | |
| Empire Beauty School-Reading Reading, PA | PA | Private for-profit, <2-year | $18,160 | 82.3% | Not available | 90 | Partial |
By institution type
Private nonprofit (3)
Private nonprofit colleges in Reading are mission-driven institutions — often religiously affiliated or research-focused — that reinvest tuition into academics and aid rather than distributing profit.
- Alvernia UniversityNet price: $28,138Grad: 55.5%
- Albright CollegeNet price: $20,024Grad: 50.7%
- Reading Hospital School of Health SciencesNet price: $28,415Grad: 33.3%
Private for-profit (2)
Private for-profit colleges in Reading operate as businesses, generally focused on career-oriented and online programs with rolling admissions.
- American Barber and Beauty AcademyNet price: Not availableGrad: 88.1%
- Empire Beauty School-ReadingNet price: $18,160Grad: 82.3%
Public (2)
Public colleges in Reading are state- or locally-funded institutions that typically offer lower in-state tuition and serve a broad mix of residents and commuters.
- Reading Area Community CollegeNet price: $9,228Grad: 33.6%
- Pennsylvania State University-Penn State BerksNet price: $24,356Grad: 31.5%
Top programs in Reading
Most-completed programs across Reading colleges, weighted by enrollment.
- Health professions24.8% of degrees
- Business18.9% of degrees
- Psychology5.9% of degrees
- Computer science5.7% of degrees
- Liberal arts5.3% of degrees
- Biological sciences4.2% of degrees
- Homeland security & law enforcement4.0% of degrees
- Visual & performing arts3.7% of degrees
Frequently asked questions about colleges in Reading
Q.How many colleges are in Reading, Pennsylvania?
There are 7 colleges and universities in Reading, Pennsylvania that report to the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard — 3 Private nonprofit, 2 Private for-profit, 2 Public.
Q.What is the largest college in Reading?
By undergraduate enrollment, Reading Area Community College is the largest institution in Reading with roughly 3,703 undergraduates.
Q.What is the cheapest college in Reading?
Based on average net price after aid, Reading Area Community College is the most affordable institution in Reading at $9,228 per year.
Q.Which Reading college has the highest graduation rate?
American Barber and Beauty Academy reports the highest 6-year graduation rate among Reading institutions at 88.1%.
Q.What is the average tuition in Reading?
The median net price across all 7 colleges in Reading is $22,190 per year after grants and scholarships.
Q.What are the most popular college majors in Reading?
Across Reading colleges, the most-completed programs by share of degrees awarded are Health professions, Business, Psychology.
Q.Are there community colleges in Reading?
Yes — Reading includes 2 public institutions, many of which offer 2-year associate degrees and transfer pathways to 4-year programs.
Other cities in Pennsylvania
Data on this page comes from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard and IPEDS. Medians are computed across institutions in Reading that report each metric. Net price, graduation rate, and earnings figures reflect the latest available federal release. Always verify current tuition and program availability directly with each institution.