Skip to content
CollegeRanker
Colleges / PA / Reading
Reading Area Community College logo

Reading Area Community College

Public Reading, PA · Urban · Mid-Atlantic · 87% data reported · Agent Insights
30%
Graduation Rate
$39,082
Earnings (10yr)
$9,228
Net Price
3,703
Enrollment

Find Your Program

Match With an Accredited Program Accepting Applicants

Explore accredited programs — fast, free, no obligation.

✓ Accredited programs ✓ 100% free ✓ No obligation

Overview

With an enrollment of about 3,700 students, Reading Area Community College serves as a practical stepping stone for those looking to enter various fields, especially in Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Humanities, Psychology, and Computer Science & IT. It’s a good fit for individuals seeking a community-focused environment where they can gain essential skills and knowledge before diving into the workforce.

Looking at life after graduation, students can expect to earn around $39,082 within ten years of completing their program. This figure suggests that many graduates find pathways to stable employment. Affordability plays a significant role here, with a net price of $9,228 after aid, making it accessible for a wide range of students. The fact that 35% of students receive Pell Grants highlights the college's commitment to supporting those with financial needs.

When it comes to the bottom line, the median debt for graduates stands at $8,750, which positions this college as a sensible choice for students concerned about student loans. Those who thrive here usually appreciate a supportive community and are motivated to gain practical skills that can enhance their job prospects. It’s a place for learners ready to take actionable steps toward their career goals without overwhelming financial burdens.

Rankings

How Reading Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation30%Earnings 10yr$39KNet Price$9KRetention66%Median Debt$9KPell Grant Rate35%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$8K$0-30K$9K$30-48K$9K$48-75K$14K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%1478.8%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%712.4%MOBILITY105.35%

Cost & Financial Aid

$6,480
In-State Tuition
$12,510
Out-of-State
$9,228
Avg Net Price
$8,750
Median Debt
35%
Pell Grant Rate
20%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$7,968
Family Income $0–$30K
$8,553
Family Income $30K–$48K
$8,987
Family Income $48K–$75K
$14,049
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$32,565
6 Years After Entry
$38,587
8 Years
$39,082
10 Years
0.22x
Debt-to-Earnings
49%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$32,565 6yr $38,587 8yr $39,082 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

105.35%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
712.4%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
1478.8%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$64,500
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.08
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.05
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
5.8%
Volunteering Rate
0.94
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Retention Rate 66%
Full-Time Faculty 100%
Faculty Salary (mo) $6,774
Diversity Index 0.66
First-Gen Students 54%

Top Programs

Health Professions 20%
Business & Marketing 20%
Humanities 13%
Psychology 7%
Computer Science & IT 5%
Criminal Justice 5%
Physical Sciences 4%
Visual & Performing Arts 3%