Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks is a public university in Reading, PA ranked #1365 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B-, enrolling about 1,887 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 97.1%. Students most often pursue STEM innovation.
Academically, students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, 77.5% first-year retention, and 24.4% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $24,581, about $7,583 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -43.4%, roughly 128.7 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $55,620. That's about $11,932 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks graduates 24.4% of students within six years and keeps 77.5% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks'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 | $15,944 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,840 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $14,232 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,788 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $31,853 |
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 28.7% of Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks students receive Pell Grants — slightly below 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 $16,721 to $30,196 depending on family income. Use Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $25,326/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $30,196/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $55,620
- 10-Year Median Earnings $55,620
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $19,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 67.9%
- Employment Rate 87.7%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks 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.
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks graduates earn $55,620 median, the -43.4% 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 540-650
- SAT Math 550-660
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 26-29
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,887
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 77.5%
- Graduation Rate 24.4%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 13:1
How to Get Into Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks 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 97.1%, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks 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 97.1% acceptance rate, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1090 and 1310 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Program data for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks is not available. Please contact the school directly for information about their academic programs.
- College Scorecard does not publish a program mix for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks. Use the school catalog or admissions office for current offerings. —
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard does not list any fully online degree programs for Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks. This institution may offer hybrid or partially online courses, but no fully online degree programs are reported in the latest data release.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,887
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 58.4%
- Female Students 41.6%
- Caucasian 59.9%
- Asian 9.1%
- Hispanic 14.6%
- Black 8.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 28.7%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong 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 Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong 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 Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1365 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $24,581 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $55,620 median earnings. The 24.4% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 77.5% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks's Strengths
Ranked #1365 with a B- grade, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks excel at providing affordable education ($24,581 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks's 77.5% retention and 24.4% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($55,620 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks and $24,581 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 24.4% six-year graduation rate sits 38.1 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 77.5% first-year retention is 0.7 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -43.4% return on investment is 128.7 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $55,620 run about 27% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $24,581 is roughly $4,682 higher than the national median of $19,899.
Helpfulness for Students
- 13:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 77.5% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 87.7% employment rate within three years sits 19.5 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $24,581 is about $4,682 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 28.7% trails the national share by 4.7 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks—a public university in Reading, PA—at B- overall. It stands at #1365 among 1971 schools Completion earns C, Support B, Career Outcomes B+, and Affordability C+.
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.
77.5% of learners come back after year one while 24.4% complete the degree within six years. Return on investment currently measures -43.4% 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 $24,581 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $31,853.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $7,272 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 28.7% 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
Median earnings come in near $55,620 six years after enrollment. Compared with the national median, that's 27% higher.
Roughly 87.7% of graduates are employed three years out.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -43.4%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
97.1% 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 Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks 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 19610-1016
- Website berks.psu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$28.6M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate36.3%