College Costs in Reading, PA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Reading, Pennsylvania. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$15,201
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$37,128
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,546
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Reading Overview
Population
95,112
Student Population
2,968 (3.1%)
Cost of Living Index
118 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
44/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
6.7%
College Cost Calculator for Reading
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$146,008
Total After Financial Aid
$146,008
Annual Cost
$36,502
Annual After Aid
$36,502
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $146,008 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,658 |
| Total Interest | $52,939 |
| Total Loan Cost | $198,947 |
Universities in Reading
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Alvernia University | Private | $37,128 |
| Reading Area Community College | Community | $5,070 |
Reading has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Reading vs. National Average
| Category | Reading | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,201 | $10,940 | +$4,261 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,546 | $1,050 | +$496 |
| Cost of Living Index | 118 | 100 | +18 |
Reading's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Reading
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,968 students
Reading has a total population of 95,112, with approximately 2,968 college students (3.1% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Reading offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Reading
$71,168
Starting Salary
6.7%
Unemployment Rate
63%
Graduation Rate
~4 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Reading earn a median starting salary of $71,168, which is $36,168 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $146,008 (including room and board), it would take approximately 4 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,361 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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