Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 25.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $39,082
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $8,750
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 31.5%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $93/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $47,260 | $14,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $32,925 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,234 | $5,500 |
Outcomes Overview
Reading Area Community College graduates enter the workforce with manageable debt loads, owing a median of $8,750 compared to much higher four-year college debt. Monthly loan payments of $93 represent just 2.9% of typical graduate earnings of $39,082 after ten years. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 is strongly favorable for higher education. Nearly all students stay in Pennsylvania after graduation, feeding into the region's healthcare, manufacturing, and service sectors. The 93.2% employment rate demonstrates strong regional job placement. However, the 25.6% six-year graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs. Those who do finish find solid middle-class careers without crushing debt burdens. This represents a strong return on investment for completion-focused students.