BERKS COUNTY COLLEGES

Berks County offers a variety of  excellent opportunities for individuals who wish to continue their education at the collegiate level. Students who want to pursue post-secondary degrees in Berks County have the choice of attending private colleges, state schools, or community college, and the opportunity to attain 2-year, 4-year, and advanced degrees. With more than 21,000 students enrolled in 5 Berks colleges, the county provides a diverse range of the college experience to suit the individual's preferences and needs. 

• Founded in 1856
• The oldest institution of higher learning in Berks County
• Mission is to inspire and educate the scholar and leader in each student, building on a strong foundation in the liberal arts and sciences and a commitment to the best of human values, fostering a commitment to a lifetime of service and learning.
• More than 1600 students and more than 100 full-time faculty
• Motto: Truth and Justice

Alvernia College
http://www.alvernia.edu

• Founded in 1958 by the Bernardine Sisters of the Order of Saint Francis of Assisi in the Franciscan tradition on the Judeo-Christian commitment to the harmonious development of the whole person. The student’s development of the whole person is the basic reason for the existence of the college.
• Guided by Franciscan values and the ideal of “knowledge joined with love” and rooted in the Catholic and liberal arts tradition
• More than 2750 students, including more than 1200 full-time students
• One main campus and two off-site campuses
• Motto: To learn. To love. To serve.

Kutztown University
http://www.kutztown.edu

• Founded in 1866 as Keystone Normal School
• More than 10,000 full- and part-time undergraduate and graduate students and more than 300 faculty members
• Mission is to be actively dedicated to excellence in learning and to the success of its diverse community of students
• Prepares its students to meet lifelong intellectual, ethical, social, and career challenges and responsibilities by providing quality programs that engage them in critical, analytical, and aesthetic inquiry
• Motto: Learn….to make a difference

Penn State Berks
http://www.bk.psu.edu

• Provides a Penn State education in a small campus setting that integrates individualized teaching, research, and dynamic community outreach.
• Committed to engaged-learning that encourages individual growth, cultural awareness, ethical decision-making, and civic responsibility for all members of the community.
• Offers eight associate degrees, 12 baccalaureate degrees, seven minors, and the first two years of more than 160 degree
• More than 2800 students and 100 full-time faculty members
• Offers residence housing for more than 800 students

Reading Area Community College
http://www.racc.edu

• Founded in 1971
• More than 4100 students
• Mission is to provide the first 2 years of a bachelor’s degree, career education for immediate employment, courses to assist transition from high school to college, community education and public service activities and training for area business and industry.
• Committed to provide access to quality educational experiences and training opportunities for all citizens of Berks County.
• Develops its human, physical, and financial resources to ensure its primary role as a provider of educational, technical, and cultural experiences for the community.