UnisHub University Compass

Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Berks : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

0 · 0 reviews

About Pennsylvania State University

Many students begin their Penn State path at Berks and later transition to another campus, but plenty stay and finish here. The college is known for small classes, hands-on labs, and faculty who actually know their students. Academic strengths span engineering-related fields, business, sciences, and the liberal arts, with plenty of writing and real project work. Facilities include well equipped labs, a makerspace, library, fitness center, athletic fields, and residence halls. Support runs deep, from tutoring and advising to counseling and accessibility services.

Student life feels down-to-earth and involved. Clubs, intramurals, service days, and outdoor time on local trails keep things busy, and there's a steady stream of arts and campus events. The culture skews collaborative and welcoming, a commuter-residential mix that still has real campus energy. Career prep leans practical, with internships around Reading, ties to regional employers, and the wider Penn State network. The local community brings museums, a lively arts scene, and minor league baseball. And Berks rallies hard for THON, a signature tradition that bonds the campus.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location
Tulpehocken Road, Reading, Pennsylvania, 19610, USA
Unit ID
214704

Academic & Institutional

Control
Public institution (funded by state or local government)
Accreditation
MSCHE
Length of Study
Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System
Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Bachelor's
Other Award
Campus Setting
Located in a large suburb (outside principal city, 250,000+ population)
Carnegie Classification
Not available
Tuition & Fees
In-State
$15,944
Tuition $15,388 + Fee $556
Out-of-State
$26,668
Tuition $26,112 + Fee $556
Student Profile
Total Students 1,944
Undergraduate 1,887
Graduate/Other 57
Male: 1,111 Female: 833
Applications
Total Applicants 5,844
Admitted 5,676
Enrolled 591
Acceptance: 97.1% Yield: 10.4%
Staff
Total Staff 346
Full-time 282
Part-time 64
Full-time: 81.5% Part-time: 18.5%

Academic Programs & Fields of Study

Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Berks offers 28 degree programs across 18 major academic fields, graduating approximately 345 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Business (5 programs, 79 graduates), Computer & IT (3 programs, 57 graduates), Biological Sciences (2 programs, 33 graduates), Eng. Technologies (1 programs, 27 graduates) and Education (2 programs, 26 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.

Business (5 programs, 79 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Business Administration 47
Associate's
Bachelor's
52.0101
Accounting 18
Bachelor's
52.0301
Hospitality Management 8
Bachelor's
52.0999
Organizational Behavior 3
Bachelor's
52.1003
Management Information Systems and Services 3
Other Award
52.1299
Computer & IT (3 programs, 57 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Information Science 24
Associate's
Bachelor's
11.0401
Information Systems Security and Auditing 20
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Bachelor's
11.1003
Computer and Information Sciences, Other 13
Bachelor's
11.0199
Biological Sciences (2 programs, 33 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Biology and Biological Sciences 22
Bachelor's
26.0101
Biochemistry 11
Bachelor's
26.0202
Eng. Technologies (1 programs, 27 graduates)
Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Electromechanical Engineering Technology 27
Bachelor's
15.0403
Education (2 programs, 26 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Multiple Level Teacher Education 17
Bachelor's
13.1206
English as a Second Language (ESL) Teaching 9
Postbac Cert.
13.1401
Kinesiology (1 programs, 26 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Exercise Science and Kinesiology 26
Bachelor's
31.0505
Health (2 programs, 22 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Occupational Therapy Assistant 13
Associate's
51.0803
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions 9
Bachelor's
51.2399
Engineering (2 programs, 21 graduates)
Engineering Sciences and Applied Technology Solutions
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Mechanical Engineering 20
Bachelor's
14.1901
General Engineering 1
Other Award
14.0101
Psychology (1 programs, 14 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
General Psychology 14
Bachelor's
42.0101
Security & Safety (1 programs, 12 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Criminal Justice and Safety Studies 12
Bachelor's
43.0104

Admission Requirements & Test Scores

Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Berks.

Application Requirements

Secondary School GPA
Required
Secondary School Rank
Neither required nor recommended
Secondary School Record
Required
Recommendations
Neither required nor recommended
Formal Demonstration of Competencies
Neither required nor recommended
English Proficiency Test (TOEFL)
Required
Standardized Test Scores
SAT Scores
The SAT is a standardized college admission test measuring reading, writing, and math skills. Scores range from 400-1600 (combined Evidence-Based Reading & Writing + Math sections).
Composite Score Range
1090 - 1310
25th-75th percentile
Evidence-Based Reading & Writing 540 - 650
Median: 610
Math 550 - 660
Median: 600
ACT Scores
The ACT is a standardized test for college admissions assessing English, math, reading, and science reasoning. Scores range from 1-36 (composite of all sections).
Composite Score Range
26 - 29
25th-75th percentile
English 22 - 34
Median: 28
Math 22 - 27
Median: 25

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$36,804
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$47,528
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$15,944
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$26,668
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$14,232 (on) / $13,448 (off)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,840
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$4,788
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$4,104
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$25,082
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$33,020
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

30%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$9,327
Avg. Loan
$11,115
Avg. Federal Loan
$5,354
Additional
Students with Any Grant
396
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
356
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
179
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$5,472
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

24%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
77%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$40,301 – $93,790
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$40,301 (25th %) $93,790 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $63,435
Median Salary After 6 Years
$55,620
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$63,435
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
67.9%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
79.3%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$25,000
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 52.1%
Middle 66.5%
High 80.0%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 71.5%
Independent 50.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Berks

How much does it cost to attend Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Berks?

The annual tuition at Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Berks is $15,944 for in-state students and $26,668 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $36,804 for in-state students and $47,528 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $14,232 (on) / $13,448 (off) and books and supplies $1,840.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Berks offer?

Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Berks offers 28 academic programs across 18 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Bachelor's, Other Award.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (5 programs)
  • Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (3 programs)
  • Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research (2 programs)
  • Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support (1 programs)
  • Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (2 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Berks?

Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Berks has an 97.1% acceptance rate and a 10.4% yield rate, making it moderately selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 5,844
  • Students admitted: 5,676
  • Students enrolled: 591

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Berks?

Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Berks provides financial aid to 30% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $9,327 and average loans of $11,115.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $4,893
  • State/Local grants: $4,784
  • Institutional grants: $5,472
  • Federal loans: $5,354

The university supports 396 students with grants and 356 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Berks graduates?

Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Berks graduates earn a median salary of $55,620 after 6 years and $63,435 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $40,301 (25th percentile) to $93,790 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $94,200 (90th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

Campus map for Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Harrisburg
Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Harrisburg
777 West Harrisburg Pike, Middletown, PA 17057-4846
View Profile
Campus map for Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Brandywine
Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Brandywine
25 Yearsley Mill Road, Media, PA 19063-5522
View Profile
Campus map for Pennsylvania State University, Penn State DuBois
Pennsylvania State University, Penn State DuBois
1 College Place, DuBois, PA 15801-2549
View Profile
Campus map for Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Fayette- Eberly
Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Fayette- Eberly
2201 University Drive, Lemont Furnace, PA 15456-1025
View Profile
Found this helpful? Share it!

Found something useful? Help others discover it too! Share with friends, on social media, or save for later - every share helps someone find the information they need.