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Reading, PA · Private University

Is Reading Area Community College Worth It?

ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data

Strong ROIRanked #1329 of 3,472 schools by ROI

Key Numbers

10-Year Earnings

$39,082

median, 10 years after enrollment

In-State Tuition

$6,270

per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$12,030

per year

Total 4-Year Cost

$48,120

tuition only (4 years)

ROI Ratio

3.25x

earnings ÷ annual tuition

Payback Period

11.8 yrs

years to recoup total cost

Median Debt

$8,750

at graduation

Avg Net Price

$8,039

after aid & scholarships

Earnings vs. Annual Cost

10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition

Median Earnings (10yr)$39,082
Annual Tuition$12,030
National Median Earnings$45,000

Reading Area Community College graduates earn $5,918 less than the national median of workers with any education level.

What You'd Actually Pay

Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income

Under $30,000$6,980/yr
$30,000 – $48,000$6,502/yr
$48,000 – $75,000$8,278/yr
$75,000 – $110,000$10,947/yr
Over $110,000$13,943/yr

Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.

The Bottom Line

Reading Area Community College stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $39,082 10 years after starting, $5,918 below the national median of $45,000. At the current earnings trajectory, it takes approximately 11.8 years to recover the total cost of attendance.

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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.