Albright College logo

Albright College

Accept Rate
86.15%
Grad Rate
45.6%
Enrollment
1,296
Tuition
$28,794
Median Salary
$58,700
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C+
Value
C
Admissions
A
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Albright College feels like a vibrant, creative community where interdisciplinary learning is the norm, not the exception. The campus buzzes with a close-knit energy, fueled by a diverse student body and a focus on experiential education. It's a place where students are encouraged to blend their passions, whether that's combining business with art or psychology with biology.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

86.15%
Open Admission

Test Optional

This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission

Admissions Tips

In your application, clearly articulate how you would leverage Albright's signature 'Design Your Own Major' program, as this shows you've done your research. Highlight any experiences that demonstrate your ability to work across different subjects or fields, as the college values interdisciplinary thinking. Given the high acceptance rate, ensure your application is strong and error-free to maximize your chances for merit-based aid.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1200
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Albright is renowned for its flexible curriculum that encourages students to design their own interdisciplinary majors. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, teaching is highly personalized and mentorship is a core part of the academic experience. Research opportunities are accessible even to first-year students, particularly in high-demand fields like biology and psychology.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
26%
Psychology
17.2%
Visual & Performing Arts
16%
Social Sciences
10.8%
Biology & Biomedical
7.6%
Natural Resources
4.4%
Computer Science
4%
English & Literature
3.2%
Family & Consumer Science
2.4%
Communications
2%
History
2%
Physical Sciences
1.6%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

45.6%
Graduation Rate
63.1%
Retention Rate
1,296
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$28,794
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$21,664
After financial aid
Total Cost
$44,381
Cost of attendance/year
50.4%
Receive Pell Grants
78.3%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Reading

Located in Reading, PA, students have access to a city with a growing arts scene, including the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts. For fun, students often explore local parks like Neversink Mountain, attend Reading Fightin Phils baseball games, or visit the diverse array of restaurants and cafes downtown. The campus itself is a hub of social activity with numerous student clubs and events.

Local Rent Check

$1,041 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Reading
Explore Reading

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$115,176
$0Est. 4 Years: $115,176

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($58,700):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

Albright College has its own campus safety department that provides 24/7 patrols and emergency response services. The urban setting of Reading requires students to be aware of their surroundings, but the college is located in a revitalizing part of the city with a strong campus presence.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ High degree of academic flexibility with a signature 'Design Your Own Major' program
  • โœ“ Strong access to faculty and personalized mentorship due to small class sizes
  • โœ“ Same tuition for in-state and out-of-state students, simplifying financial planning
  • โœ“ Integrated study abroad and internship opportunities are emphasized

Cons

  • โœ— The 45.6% graduation rate is significantly below the national average
  • โœ— The 63.1% retention rate suggests some students transfer after their first year
  • โœ— The urban setting of Reading may not appeal to students seeking a traditional college town

Notable Alumni

Jillian Michaels
Famous fitness expert and television personality, known for her work on 'The Biggest Loser'.
John T. K. Schmieder
Prominent businessman and founder of Schmieder Tool & Die, Inc.
Lynne D. 'Lin' Sebastian (Kerstetter)
Co-founder of the highly successful natural foods company, Mary's Gone Crackers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albright College is best known for its innovative and flexible curriculum, particularly its signature program that allows students to design their own interdisciplinary majors. It has strong academic programs in Business & Marketing, Psychology, and Visual & Performing Arts, and is recognized for its focus on experiential learning and undergraduate research.

No, Albright College is not considered a highly selective school. With an acceptance rate of 86.15%, it is considered 'less selective' by most standards. This means that while strong academic credentials are beneficial, the admissions process is generally accessible to a broad range of applicants who meet the college's profile.

Campus life at Albright is active and community-focused, with a wide array of student-run clubs and organizations. The college emphasizes a residential experience, and students often participate in campus events, arts performances, and Division III athletics. The urban location in Reading provides students with opportunities to engage with the local community beyond the campus borders.

Albright College can be a worthwhile investment, particularly for students who take full advantage of its academic flexibility and strong support systems. The average net price of $21,664 is lower than many private colleges, and the median 10-year earnings of $58,700 provide a solid foundation for post-graduate life. However, prospective students should be mindful of the lower graduation rates and develop a clear academic plan to ensure they graduate on time.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Berks County Government East Penn Manufacturing Tower Health Vanguard National Penn Bank
Smart Start Score
57

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 1,458
  • In-State Tuition $28,794
  • Zip Code 19612

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 44.4% โ™€ 55.6%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $21,664, Albright is positioned below many private institutions, and its sticker price is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. The 10-year median earnings of $58,700 provide a solid return on investment, especially when paired with the high percentage of students (50.4%) receiving Pell Grants, indicating strong financial aid support. However, the relatively low graduation rate means students must be proactive to ensure they finish on time and maximize the value of their degree.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $28,794
Housing (12 mo) $12,492
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $48,486
With avg financial aid:
$21,664/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.