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Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks

Reading, PA

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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 standalone baccalaureate college, fostering growth.

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks stands as a testament to continuous growth and adaptation, evolving from humble origins to a vibrant academic hub. Its story begins in 1927, initially established as a training school for workers of the Textile Machine Works. This foundational link to regional industry highlights its enduring commitment to practical education, which quickly blossomed under the wing of The Pennsylvania State College.

Today, Penn State Berks is known for its comprehensive baccalaureate degree programs, offered independently within the Penn State system. This allows students to gain a rigorous Penn State education right in Spring Township, benefiting from a supportive learning environment. The campus has seen remarkable expansion, transforming from a commuter-focused institution into a thriving residential campus with dormitories added in the early 1990s and 2000s, cultivating a rich and diverse student experience.

With approximately 2,800 students spread across 15 buildings on 241 acres, Penn State Berks offers a significant educational presence. Its dedicated faculty, comprising 100 full-time and 70 part-time members, are committed to fostering academic excellence. For prospective students and families, Penn State Berks offers a compelling blend of historical depth, academic independence, and a close-knit campus community, all while providing the prestige of a Penn State degree.

Key Highlights

  • Origins trace back to 1927 as a training school for the region's textile industry.
  • Became a standalone college within the Penn State system in 2005.
  • Offers baccalaureate degrees independently from the University Park campus.
  • Home to approximately 2,800 students.
  • Features 15 buildings across 241 acres of land.
  • Supported by 100 full-time and 70 part-time faculty members.
  • Transformed into a residential campus with dorms added in 1990 and 2001.

Timeline

1927
Established as a training school for Textile Machine Works.
1933
Renamed Wyomissing Polytechnic Institute (WPI).
1958
WPI closes; incorporated into Penn State system as the 'Wyomissing Center of The Pennsylvania State University'.
1964
Renamed 'Penn State Berks Center'.
1972
Moved to present Spring Township location and adopted 'Penn State Berks' name.
1990
First dormitories added, making it a residential campus.
1997
Began offering independent baccalaureate degrees in partnership with Lehigh Valley, renamed 'Penn State Berks-Lehigh Valley College'.
2001
Additional dorms added to the campus.
2005
Split from Lehigh Valley, reverted to 'Penn State Berks', and became a stand-alone college in the Penn State system.

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