Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks
About Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Penn State Berks is a public campus of Pennsylvania State University in Reading, Pennsylvania. It provides access to Penn State academic programs in a smaller campus setting in Berks County.
Founded
1924
Location
Reading, Pennsylvania
Students
1,876
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
98.7%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
31.5%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$15,972
Out-of-state: $26,958
Avg Net Price
$24,356
After financial aid
SAT Average
1174
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$63,435
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$65
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Rolling
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks accepts the majority of applicants at 98.7%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1174/ 1600
ACT Scores
27/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
31.5% complete their degree within six years
Retention
76.8%
4-Year Grad
17%
6-Year Grad
27%
Teaching Quality
13:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
70.1%
$/Student
$3.3K
Class Size
Medium
The 17% graduation rate is below average, but 76.8% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$15,972
In-State
$26,958
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$14,474
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance
$32,242
After Financial Aid
$24,356
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$16,429
Receive Grants
28.8%
Take Loans
51.8%
The full cost of attendance is about $32,242/yr for in-state students, including $14,474 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $24,356. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $26,958.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks fund their education.
While in School
28.8%
Get Grants
Free money
51.8%
Take Loans
Must repay
$61,924
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$25,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$265/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $25,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $63K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks.
Gender
41.5%
Female
59%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
1,872
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
4
Graduates
28.8%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
7.3%
Age 25+
Men make up the majority at 59% of the student body. 28.8% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
1,872
Students
public
Institution
Small
Campus Size
N/A
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
No
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks fields 8 varsity teams with 166 student athletes, about 9% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III without football
Conference
United East
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
8
Biggest: Soccer
Student Athletes
166
9% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
57% / 43%
94
Men
72
Women
6
Men's Teams
6
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berksearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$63,435
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business/Commerce, General
$45K
48 grads
1yr Earnings
Mechanical Engineering
$70K
42 grads
1yr Earnings
Accounting and Related Services
$63K
29 grads
1yr Earnings
Electromechanical Technologies/Technicians
$65K
26 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$32K
24 grads
1yr Earnings
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
$43K
21 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $56K at six years, $51K at eight, and $63K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks
What is the acceptance rate at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks?▾
How much does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks?▾
How much do Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.