Best Online Education Programs in Reading, PA (2026)
Reading, Pennsylvania has a population of about 94,836. The city’s median household income is $45,599 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 11.7% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited education programs within 100 miles of Reading, with tuition ranging from $50,320 to $63,990 per year. In the Reading, PA metro area, the top-earning education-related role is Education Administrator, Postsecondary at a median $109,950 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Education Schools to Reading
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer education programs. Distances are calculated from Reading city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Immaculata University | Immaculata, PA | 28.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Lebanon Valley College | Annville, PA | 30.9 mi | $50,320 - $63,990 | – |
| West Chester University of Pennsylvania | West Chester, PA | 32.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Elizabethtown College | Elizabethtown, PA | 37.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Arcadia University | Glenside, PA | 43.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Pennsylvania schools on the Pennsylvania education page.
Education Wages Near Reading
Reading is part of the Reading, PA metro area (BLS area code 39740). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Pennsylvania statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary School Teacher | $78,780 | Reading, PA | $81,133 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $77,970 | Reading, PA | $80,299 |
| Middle School Teacher | $78,720 | Reading, PA | $81,071 |
| Education Teacher, Postsecondary | $80,400 | Reading, PA | $82,801 |
| Education Administrator, K-12 | $104,040 | Reading, PA | $107,147 |
| Education Administrator, Postsecondary | $109,950 | Reading, PA | $113,234 |
| Tutor | $50,620 | Reading, PA | $52,132 |
| Educational and Career Counselor | $61,400 | Reading, PA | $63,234 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Reading at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 94,836 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $45,599 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 11.7% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 97.1 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Education-related employment in Berks County | 2,218 workers, 101 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Reading-Area Cities With Education Programs
- Pottstown, PA – 16.1 mi away (109,052 pop)
- Lebanon, PA – 26.1 mi away (77,839 pop)
- Pottsville, PA – 27.8 mi away (41,479 pop)
- Lancaster, PA – 28.5 mi away (401,205 pop)
- Allentown, PA – 29.6 mi away (678,169 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited education programs are near Reading, PA?
Our directory lists 5 education programs within 100 miles of Reading. The closest is Immaculata University in Immaculata, PA (28.6 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Arcadia University (43.7 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying education roles near Reading?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying education-related roles near Reading are: Education Administrator, Postsecondary ($109,950), Education Administrator, K-12 ($104,040), Education Teacher, Postsecondary ($80,400). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Pennsylvania statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Pottstown instead of Reading?
Pottstown, PA is 16.1 miles from Reading and has its own set of local education programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Reading an affordable place to study education?
Reading’s median household income of $45,599 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Reading while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Pennsylvania public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.
Related Resources
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