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Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks vs Pennsylvania College of Art and Design

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks is a public university in Reading, PA. Pennsylvania College of Art and Design is a private college in Lancaster, PA. Both admit about 99% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $24,356 a year at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks after aid, and about $30,083 at Pennsylvania College of Art and Design. About 66% of students graduate at Pennsylvania College of Art and Design, compared with 28% at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks. Ten years after enrolling, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks alumni earn a median of about $63,435, against $33,301 for Pennsylvania College of Art and Design.

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks

Reading, PA · Public

Pennsylvania College of Art and Design

Lancaster, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Reading, PA
Lancaster, PA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,872
400
Acceptance rate
99%
99%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.19–3.69
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
1090–1275
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
18–27
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$24,356
$30,083
Full cost / yr
$32,242
$43,815
In-state tuition
$15,972
$32,150
Out-of-state tuition
$26,958
$32,150
Application fee
$65
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,429
$24,547
$30k - $48k
$15,862
$24,115
$48k - $75k
$23,583
$26,576
$75k - $110k
$25,465
$30,876
Over $110k
$29,541
$37,851
Outcomes
Graduation rate
28%
66%
Freshman retention
77%
85%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$55,620
$23,638
Median earnings (10 yr)
$63,435
$33,301
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
29%
47%
First-generation students
29%
Not reported
International students
4%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks or Pennsylvania College of Art and Design harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 99% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks or Pennsylvania College of Art and Design?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks is cheaper on average. Students pay about $24,356 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $30,083 at Pennsylvania College of Art and Design. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks and Pennsylvania College of Art and Design?
Before aid, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks costs about $32,242 a year and Pennsylvania College of Art and Design about $43,815. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks or Pennsylvania College of Art and Design?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,429 there, against about $24,547 at Pennsylvania College of Art and Design. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks or Pennsylvania College of Art and Design?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks is the larger of the two, with about 1,872 undergraduates against 400 at Pennsylvania College of Art and Design.
Does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks or Pennsylvania College of Art and Design have a better graduation rate?
Pennsylvania College of Art and Design has the higher graduation rate, at about 66% against 28% at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks.
Do graduates of Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks or Pennsylvania College of Art and Design earn more?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks alumni earn more on average: a median of about $63,435 ten years after enrolling, against about $33,301 for Pennsylvania College of Art and Design. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks and Pennsylvania College of Art and Design require SAT or ACT scores?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Pennsylvania College of Art and Design is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.

Related comparisons

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