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84.9%Acceptance
$28,794Tuition
1,296Students
42%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$58,700Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindLiberal ArtsNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24United Methodist

About Albright College

Albright College builds its reputation on close faculty relationships and hands-on learning in Reading, Pennsylvania. The college enrolls 1,296 students and maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio that enables personalized attention. This United Methodist-affiliated liberal arts college has served students since 1856, developing a tradition of community engagement and practical education. Students benefit from small class sizes where professors know their names and academic goals.

The financial picture shows mixed results for families considering Albright. Students pay an average net price of $21,664 after aid, with lower-income families paying as little as $16,982. However, graduates carry a median debt of $27,000 and earn $58,700 ten years after graduation. The monthly loan payment averages $286, which represents a manageable burden given the earning potential. Half of all students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves many first-generation and lower-income students.

Student retention tells an important story about fit and satisfaction. Only 63% of freshmen return for sophomore year, and just 42% graduate within six years. The diverse student body is 45% white, 22% Black, and 20% Hispanic. With 25 varsity sports and 469 total athletes, nearly one-third of students compete in NCAA Division III athletics.

Academics & Faculty

Albright operates as a liberal arts college where students explore broad intellectual foundations before specializing in their majors. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students by name and provide personalized attention. However, only 46% of students graduate within four years, suggesting academic challenges or life circumstances that delay completion. The college has built particular strength in business programs and education, drawing students who want hands-on learning opportunities. Small class sizes mean frequent discussion-based seminars rather than large lecture halls. Students often praise the accessibility of professors during office hours and the collaborative rather than competitive academic atmosphere.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
10:1
Full-Time Faculty
75.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
45.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
42.2%
Retention Rate
63.1%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$58,700
Carnegie Classification
Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Information Science/Studies. Bachelor $63,005
Computer and Information Sciences, General. Bachelor $50,856
Accounting and Related Services. Bachelor $50,439
Business/Commerce, General. Bachelor $48,041
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $43,612
Communication and Media Studies. Bachelor $38,829
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. Bachelor $38,289
Sociology. Bachelor $37,928
Biology, General. Bachelor $37,568
Criminology. Bachelor $36,312

View all 50 programs →

Campus Life

Albright's compact campus in Reading puts you 65 miles northwest of Philadelphia, close enough for weekend trips but far enough to feel independent. The 1,296 students create a tight-knit community where your 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name. Pennsylvania winters require a solid coat and boots for trudging between classes, while spring brings perfect weather for outdoor activities.

With housing capacity for 1,220 students, nearly everyone lives on campus, creating a residential feel where dorm life extends well into the evening. The Lions compete in 25 NCAA Division III sports with 469 total athletes, meaning you'll likely know someone on a team even if you're not playing yourself. Reading offers the basics but weekends often center around campus events, intramural games, or exploring nearby hiking trails. The school's United Methodist roots show in its community service emphasis, though the diverse student body (45% White, 22% Black, 20% Hispanic) brings varied perspectives to campus conversations.
Setting
City-Small
Housing Capacity
1,220 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1856

Campus Safety (2023)

21 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 3 2 0 0
Fondling 2 2 0 0
Stalking 2 2 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 0 0 1
Aggravated Assault 1 1 0 0
Rape 1 1 0 0
Robbery 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
23°–38°F
July Avg
65°–86°F
Annual Precipitation
45.2"
Annual Snowfall
27.2"

Student Demographics

Albright draws students who value close faculty relationships in a diverse community. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio attracts learners seeking personal attention from professors. Half the students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the Methodist tradition of accessible education. The student body is diverse, with students of color comprising over 45% of enrollment. Most students come from Pennsylvania, giving Albright a strong regional reputation in the Mid-Atlantic. Women slightly outnumber men at 56%, typical for liberal arts colleges that emphasize collaborative learning and social impact.
Men
44.4%
Women
55.6%
White
45.3%
Black
22.2%
Hispanic
20.4%
Asian
2.7%
In-State Students
57.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
50.4%

Location

Albright College sits in Reading, Pennsylvania, about 65 miles northwest of Philadelphia. The city of 95,000 serves as the county seat of Berks County in southeastern Pennsylvania. Reading combines small-city amenities with proximity to major metropolitan areas like Philadelphia and New York City. The area offers a mix of urban culture and Pennsylvania Dutch country charm. Students can explore local outlets at Reading Terminal Market or venture into nearby Amish communities. The campus provides housing for 1,220 students in this historic industrial city that has transformed into a regional center. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Albright College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Reading, Pennsylvania 19612-5234

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$58,700
Median Earnings (5 years)
$59,794
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$39,900
Loan Repayment Rate
71.0%
Monthly Loan Payment
$286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Albright College?

Albright College accepts 84.87% of applicants, making it relatively accessible for prospective students. This United Methodist liberal arts college in Reading, Pennsylvania focuses on building a diverse community of learners rather than maintaining ultra-selective admissions.

How much does Albright College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Albright College is $21,664, lower than the sticker price of $44,048. Half of all students receive Pell Grants, and the college provides institutional grants averaging $21,315 to help make their liberal arts education more affordable.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Albright College?

Albright College maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,296 enrolled students. This small liberal arts environment allows for personalized attention and close mentoring relationships that define the college experience.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Albright College?

Graduates earn a median salary of $58,700 ten years after graduation, with a 96% employment rate. However, the 42.20% six-year graduation rate suggests that completing the degree can be challenging for some students at this small liberal arts institution.

Where do Albright College students live on campus?

The college houses up to 1,220 students in on-campus facilities, nearly matching their total enrollment of 1,296. Campus life revolves around the residential experience, with room and board costing $13,954 annually in this small city setting.

Does Albright College offer athletic scholarships?

Albright College provides $0 in athletic scholarships as a NCAA Division III institution. The Lions compete in 25 varsity sports with 469 total athletes, emphasizing the student-athlete experience over athletic recruiting incentives.