Albright College
Albright College is a private nonprofit university in Reading, PA ranked #1176 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B-, enrolling about 1,296 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 86.2%. Students most often pursue Information Science/Studies and Accounting and Related Services.
Day to day, students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, 63.1% first-year retention, and 42.1% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $21,664, about $4,666 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -47.6%, roughly 132.9 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $45,391. That's about $1,703 higher than national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Albright College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Albright College graduates 42.1% of students within six years and keeps 63.1% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Albright College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $28,794 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,300 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $13,954 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,374 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $44,381 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 50.4% of Albright College students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $16,982 to $28,680 depending on family income. Use Albright College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $24,273/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $28,680/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $45,391
- 10-Year Median Earnings $45,391
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $23,250
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 71.0%
- Employment Rate 89.1%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Albright College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Albright College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Albright College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Albright College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Albright College graduates earn $45,391 median, the -47.6% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,296
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 63.1%
- Graduation Rate 42.1%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 10:1
How to Get Into Albright College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Albright College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 86.2%, Albright College is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 86.2% acceptance rate, Albright College is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Albright College undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Accounting and Related Services, and Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 21.6%
- Accounting and Related Services 8.1%
- Psychology, General 7.0%
- Design and Applied Arts 6.8%
- Biology, General 5.9%
- Communication and Media Studies 4.9%
See more majors
- Sociology 4.3%
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology 4.1%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Information Science/Studies $85,995
- 2. Accounting and Related Services $76,251
- 3. Biology, General $65,591
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations $65,025
- 5. Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology $64,645
- 6. Business/Commerce, General $64,120
- 7. Communication and Media Studies $59,684
- 8. Sociology $57,087
- 9. Psychology, General $51,883
- 10. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology $51,623
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Information Science/Studies grads earn $85,995—67% more than Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology ($51,623). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Albright College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 80 graduates)
- Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degree, 30 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 26 graduates)
- Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 25 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 22 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (41 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Accounting and Related Services
- Psychology, General
- Design and Applied Arts
- Biology, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Sociology
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Political Science and Government
- Information Science/Studies
- History
- Fine and Studio Arts
- English Language and Literature, General
- Criminology
- Music
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Mathematics
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Business/Commerce, General
- Public Health
- Economics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Physics
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Chemistry
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Special Education and Teaching
- Social Sciences, General
- Philosophy
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Forestry
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Area Studies
Online Master's Degrees (3 programs)▼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Special Education and Teaching
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)▼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (3 programs)▼
- Accounting and Related Services
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Business/Commerce, General
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,296
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 44.4%
- Female Students 55.6%
- Caucasian 45.3%
- Asian 2.7%
- Hispanic 20.4%
- Black 22.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients 50.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Albright College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Albright College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Albright College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Albright College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Albright College has a diverse student body, with 45.3% identifying as White. 50.4% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Albright College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Albright College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Albright College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -47.6% ROI. Ranked #1176 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $21,664 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $45,391 median earnings. With 42.1% graduating within six years and 63.1% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Albright College's Positioning
With a B- grade and #1176 ranking, Albright College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $21,664 annually, Albright College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 63.1% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $15,165 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -47.6% ROI and $45,391 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $11,664+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Albright College ranks #1176 of 1971 institutions, with 1015 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 42.1% six-year graduation rate sits 20.4 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 63.1% first-year retention is 13.7 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -47.6% return on investment is 132.9 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $45,391 run about 4% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $21,664 is roughly $1,765 higher than the national median of $19,899.
Helpfulness for Students
- 10:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 63.1% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 89.1% employment rate within three years sits 20.9 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $21,664 is about $1,765 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Albright College, a private nonprofit university in Reading, PA, secures a B- grade in our latest review. It stands at #1176 among 1971 schools Grades by category break down as Completion C+, Support B-, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability B.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 63.1% retention and 42.1% six-year graduation. Return on investment currently measures -47.6% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $21,664 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $44,381.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $22,717 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $23,250 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 50.4% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $45,391 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 4% higher.
Employment outcomes report about 89.1% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near -47.6%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
86.2% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Albright College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Reading, PA 19612-5234
- Website www.albright.edu/home
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$63.8M