Reading Area Community College: $6,270 Tuition

$6,270Tuition

3,338Students

26%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$39,082Earnings

Public2-yearData: 2023-24

About Reading Area Community College

The Ravens serve a diverse student body of 3,338 in Pennsylvania's fifth-largest city. Nearly half of all students are Hispanic, making this one of the most culturally diverse community colleges in the region. Women outnumber men more than two to one at 68.57%. The college has built a reputation for workforce development programs that connect directly to Reading's manufacturing and healthcare sectors.

Students pay an average of $8,039 after financial aid, with lower-income families paying even less at $6,980. Graduates earn a median of $39,082 ten years after starting college. That represents solid returns on the typical debt load of $8,750, with monthly loan payments averaging just $93. The employment rate hits 93.2%, reflecting strong job placement in the Berks County economy.

Only about one in four students completes their program within six years at 25.60%. The student-faculty ratio of 20:1 means larger classes than at four-year colleges. Nearly all students come from Pennsylvania at 99.58%, creating a tight-knit community feel. Many students work while attending, which explains the lower completion rates but also the high employment numbers after leaving.

Academics & Faculty

Reading Area Community College serves a predominantly Hispanic student population, with 49.46% of students identifying as Hispanic. The school operates with a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to instructors for a community college setting. However, only 25.60% of students complete their programs within six years, reflecting the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and education. RACC offers traditional associate degree programs and workforce training certificates designed to meet local employment needs in the Reading area. The college focuses on affordable education and career preparation, with 93.2% of graduates finding employment after completing their programs. Nearly all students (99.58%) come from Pennsylvania, emphasizing the school's role as a local educational resource.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 25.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $39,082

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$47,260
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$32,925
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$21,234

View all 47 programs →

Campus Life

Reading Area Community College sits in downtown Reading, about 65 miles northwest of Philadelphia. The campus serves a heavily Hispanic student body, with 49.46% of students identifying as Latino. You'll need a winter coat here, Pennsylvania winters bring snow and temperatures that regularly drop below freezing from December through February.

The student body skews heavily female at 68.57%, and nearly all students are Pennsylvania residents at 99.58%. As a community college, RACC has no dorms, so students commute from across Berks County and surrounding areas. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means classes feel more intimate than at large universities. Students often work while attending classes, fitting their coursework around job schedules. The campus buzzes during weekday class hours but quiets on weekends. Many students use the library and study spaces between classes, especially those with gaps in their schedules. The Ravens don't have the same athletic culture as four-year schools, so social life centers more around study groups and campus clubs during the week.

Setting: City-Small
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1971

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Stalking	2	0	0	0
Domestic Violence	0	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

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

Student Demographics

Reading Area Community College draws nearly its entire student body from Pennsylvania, reflecting its role as a trusted local option for Berks County residents. Two-thirds of students are women, indicating strong nursing, education, and allied health programs that traditionally attract female students. Hispanic students make up nearly half the enrollment, making RACC one of the most diverse community colleges in the state. The high Pell Grant recipient rate of 43% shows the college fulfills its mission of serving working-class families seeking affordable career training and transfer opportunities.

Men: 31.4%
Women: 68.6%
White: 33.7%
Black: 10.1%
Hispanic: 49.5%
Asian: 1.6%
In-State Students: 99.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 42.7%

Location

Reading Area Community College sits in Reading, Pennsylvania, about 65 miles northwest of Philadelphia. The city serves as the county seat of Berks County in southeastern Pennsylvania's farming region. Reading has a population of around 95,000 and maintains strong ties to Pennsylvania Dutch country. The area blends small-city amenities with access to rural landscapes and historic sites. Students can reach major metropolitan areas like Philadelphia and New York City within two hours by car. The campus draws from the broader Berks County community, with 99.58% of students coming from in-state. Reading's location offers affordable living costs compared to larger Pennsylvania cities while providing internship and job opportunities in manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Reading Area Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Reading, Pennsylvania 19603

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $39,082
Median Earnings (5 years): $42,740
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 31.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $93/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $8,750

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Reading Area Community College?

Reading Area Community College follows an open-door admissions policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of their academic background. The college serves 3,338 students and draws almost exclusively from Pennsylvania with 99.58% in-state enrollment. This accessibility makes it a popular starting point for local students seeking affordable higher education.

How much does Reading Area Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $8,039 annually, with costs varying by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,980 net price, while those earning over $110,000 pay $13,943. The college keeps debt manageable with graduates owing a median of $8,750 and monthly loan payments of only $93.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Reading Area Community College?

The college maintains a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, which is typical for community colleges but higher than many four-year institutions. Classes tend to be practical and career-focused, reflecting the college's mission to prepare students for immediate workforce entry. The Ravens compete in athletics while emphasizing vocational training and transfer preparation.

Does Reading Area Community College have good job placement rates?

Graduates achieve a strong 93.2% employment rate, demonstrating the college's effectiveness in workforce preparation. However, the 25.60% six-year graduation rate reflects common challenges at community colleges where many students attend part-time or face life circumstances that interrupt their studies. Median earnings reach $39,082 ten years after enrollment.

Where is Reading Area Community College located and what is the campus like?

The college sits in Reading, Pennsylvania, a small city environment that provides urban amenities while maintaining affordability. Founded in 1971, it has established deep roots in the local community. The campus serves a diverse student body that is 68.57% female and 49.46% Hispanic, reflecting the changing demographics of the Reading area.

What makes Reading Area Community College unique among Pennsylvania colleges?

The college stands out for serving one of Pennsylvania's most diverse student populations, with Hispanic students comprising nearly half of enrollment at 49.46%. This demographic shift reflects Reading's growing Latino community. Additionally, 42.69% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college's crucial role in providing educational opportunities for low-income families in the region.