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Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks

Reading, PA

publicbachelors

Quick Facts

1,887
Total Students
$16K
Tuition (In-State)
$27K
Tuition (Out-State)
$25K
Avg Net Price
97%
Acceptance Rate
24%
Graduation Rate
6-year
77%
Retention Rate

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks

Penn State Berks: Evolving from industry training to a dynamic residential college.

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks offers a vibrant academic experience, rooted in a rich history of adaptation and growth within Spring Township. What began as a vocational training school for the textile industry has transformed into a comprehensive, stand-alone college within the esteemed Penn State system. Today, it serves as a dynamic hub for over 2,800 students, blending the extensive resources of a major university with the personalized attention of a close-knit campus environment.

The institution's journey commenced in 1927 as a training school for the Textile Machine Works. With the support of the then-Pennsylvania State College, it evolved through various iterations, including the Wyomissing Polytechnic Institute. When the textile industry faced a downturn, leading to WPI's closure in 1958, its founders generously offered the campus to Penn State. This pivotal moment marked its official rebirth as the "Wyomissing Center of The Pennsylvania State University" on July 1, 1958, establishing its foundation as a vital commonwealth campus and demonstrating a legacy of resilience and unwavering commitment to regional education.

Penn State Berks has continuously expanded its offerings and campus life, evolving significantly over the decades. Moving to its current Spring Township location in 1972 and adopting its familiar name, it further matured by adding dormitories in 1990 and 2001, transitioning into both a commuter and a residential campus. Since 1997, the college has independently offered baccalaureate degrees, showcasing its academic autonomy and strength within the Penn State system. With 15 buildings across 241 acres and a dedicated faculty of 100 full-time and 70 part-time members, students benefit from a robust learning environment and a supportive community, preparing them for diverse professional paths and successful futures.

Key Highlights

  • Evolved from a 1927 industrial training school to a modern Penn State college.
  • Officially opened as a Penn State campus on July 1, 1958.
  • Became a residential campus with the addition of dormitories in 1990 and 2001.
  • Current enrollment stands at approximately 2,800 students.
  • Spans 241 acres, featuring 15 buildings for academic and student life.
  • Boasts 100 full-time and 70 part-time faculty members.
  • Offers baccalaureate degrees independently as a stand-alone college since 2005.

Timeline

1927
Established as the "Educational Department of Textile Machine Works".
1933
Renamed the "Wyomissing Polytechnic Institute" (WPI).
1958
WPI closed; campus incorporated into Penn State as the "Wyomissing Center".
1958
Officially opened its doors as part of the Penn State system on July 1.
1964
Renamed the "Penn State Berks Center".
1972
Moved to its present Spring Township location and adopted the name "Penn State Berks".
1990
First dormitories added, making it a residential campus.
1997
Began offering independent baccalaureate degrees.
2005
Became a stand-alone college in the Penn State system, reverting to "Penn State Berks".

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