At $8,039/yr net price, Reading Area Community College graduates earn $39,082/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,082/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,039 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $32,156 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,082/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,082/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 25.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,980/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,502/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,278/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,947/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,943/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
25.6% of students at Reading Area Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Reading Area Community College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $47,260 annually, making the $14,000 debt load manageable despite being higher than the school average. Criminal justice graduates earn $32,925, which provides decent value given the low overall cost structure.
Liberal arts students face poor financial prospects, earning just $21,234 ten years after graduation. This creates a concerning debt-to-income ratio even with the relatively modest $5,500 debt burden. The 25.6% graduation rate signals completion risk across all programs, meaning you could end up with debt and no credential.
The school works best for career-focused students entering high-demand local fields like healthcare. Berks County's manufacturing and healthcare sectors provide employment opportunities for technical program graduates. Liberal arts students should consider transferring to a four-year institution rather than entering the workforce directly.
Financial aid reaches 43% of students, and the $8,039 net price keeps costs manageable for most Pennsylvania families. Your biggest risk is program selection rather than affordability. Choose nursing or other healthcare tracks for strong returns, but avoid general studies unless you plan to transfer. The low graduation rate means you need strong academic preparation and clear career goals to succeed here financially.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Reading Area Community College worth the cost?
Reading Area Community College offers decent value at $8,039 per year, but graduates earn only $39,082 after 10 years. The low graduation rate of 25.6% means most students don't finish their programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Reading Area Community College?
Practical nursing graduates from Reading Area Community College earn around $47,260, making it the best ROI program. Criminal justice graduates earn $32,925, while liberal arts graduates average just $21,234.
How much debt do Reading Area Community College students graduate with?
Reading Area Community College graduates have a median debt of $8,750, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. However, the low graduation rate means many students may accumulate debt without finishing their degree.
Does Reading Area Community College have good job placement rates?
Reading Area Community College doesn't publish specific job placement data, but nursing program graduates typically find work due to healthcare demand. Other programs show mixed results based on the varying salary outcomes by field.