Best Online Liberal Arts 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 liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Reading, with tuition ranging from $62,180 to $77,515 per year. In the Reading, PA metro area, the top-earning liberal arts-related role is Management Analyst at a median $97,950 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Liberal Arts Schools to Reading
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer liberal arts programs. Distances are calculated from Reading city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lehigh University | Bethlehem, PA | 34.2 mi | $62,180 - $77,515 | – |
| Moravian University | Bethlehem, PA | 35.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Widener University | Chester, PA | 44.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| La Salle University | Philadelphia, PA | 45.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Drexel University | Philadelphia, PA | 47.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Pennsylvania schools on the Pennsylvania liberal arts page.
Liberal Arts 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $50,910 | Reading, PA | $52,430 |
| Management Analyst | $97,950 | Reading, PA | $100,875 |
| Technical Writer | $59,750 | Reading, PA | $61,535 |
| News Analyst, Reporter, or Journalist | N/A | PA statewide | – |
| Editor | $63,790 | PA statewide | $65,695 |
| Training and Development Specialist | $53,560 | Reading, PA | $55,160 |
| Human Resources Specialist | $63,290 | Reading, PA | $65,180 |
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 |
| Liberal Arts-related employment in Berks County | 714 workers, 55 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Reading-Area Cities With Liberal Arts 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 liberal arts programs are near Reading, PA?
Our directory lists 5 liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Reading. The closest is Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA (34.2 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Drexel University (47.0 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying liberal arts roles near Reading?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying liberal arts-related roles near Reading are: Management Analyst ($97,950), Editor ($63,790), Human Resources Specialist ($63,290). 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 liberal arts 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 liberal arts?
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
- Online Liberal Arts Programs in Pennsylvania
- Main Liberal Arts Degree Guide
- Liberal Arts Programs by State
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