Academic Programs & Learning
Everything you need to know about the academic environment at Reading Area Community College: retention, online options, and enrollment data.
What About Academic Quality at Reading Area Community College?
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
19:1
Average students per faculty member
Full-Time Retention
66%
Students continuing to second year
Part-Time Retention
48%
Part-time students continuing
How Reading Area Community College Compares
Reading Area Community College's 66% full-time retention is right in the typical band for trade and vocational schools (most run between 50% and 70%). A 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 48% part-time retention tell a balanced story — academic quality is solid without being a clear standout.
Understanding Academic Quality Metrics
Student-Faculty Ratio: A ratio of 19:1 means there are approximately 19 students for every faculty member. This moderate ratio balances personalized attention with institutional capacity.
Retention Rates: These show the percentage of students who return for their second year. Higher retention rates typically indicate student satisfaction, academic support, and program quality.
Graduation Rate Survey Cohort: 17% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.
Who Teaches at Reading Area Community College?
Tenure Status
Academic Ranks
Understanding Faculty Composition
With 58 instructors, Reading Area Community College supports both research-oriented and teaching-focused academic programs.
How Successful Are Students at Reading Area Community College?
Student Retention Rates
Retention Rate Comparison
New full-time students returning for second year
New part-time students returning for second year
Cohort Information
Student Success Analysis
Full-Time Success:66% retention rate shows moderate student engagement with room for improvement.
Retention Impact: Higher retention rates indicate student satisfaction, academic success, and effective institutional support systems.
Year-over-year retention at Reading Area Community College is 66%. While this is within a normal range, exploring the school's student support resources can give you a fuller picture.
Where Do Online Students at Reading Area Community College Come From?
Geographic distribution of students enrolled exclusively in online courses (Fall 2024 census)
Where exclusively-online students are located
About this data: The geographic breakdown above uses IPEDS Fall Enrollment census data, which captures a single-day snapshot. The enrollment figures in the "How Do Students Learn?" section above use 12-month unduplicated headcount, which typically shows higher numbers as it covers the full academic year. Both are official IPEDS data — they measure different things.
97% of Reading Area Community College's exclusively online students are located in PA. The school primarily serves local online learners.
What Is the Academic Load at Reading Area Community College?
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis
FTE Analysis
Study Intensity:48.8% FTE ratio indicates many students attend part-time
Academic Load: FTE represents the equivalent of full-time students based on credit hours, helping compare institutional capacity regardless of part-time enrollment.
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) measures the total student enrollment at Reading Area Community College by converting part-time students into a full-time equivalent count.
How Intensively Do Students Study at Reading Area Community College?
Student Enrollment Intensity
The Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) ratio shows the average course load intensity. An FTE ratio of 1.0 means all students attend full-time, while lower values indicate more part-time enrollment.
Predominantly part-time students, designed for maximum scheduling flexibility and adult learners.
FTE represents student enrollment adjusted for course load. Two half-time students equal 1 FTE.
FTE Ratio Scale
Enrollment intensity at Reading Area Community College sits at 0.49 — a measure of how much of the student body is enrolled full-time versus part-time.
Academic Support & Resources
Academic Advising
Students have access to academic advisors who can help with course selection, degree planning, and career guidance. Contact the admissions office to learn about advising services.
Student Success Services
Many institutions offer tutoring, study groups, and academic success workshops. These resources help students develop study skills and overcome academic challenges.
For detailed information about academic support services, tutoring hours, and learning resources, contact Reading Area Community College directly at 6103724721 or visit their website .
Key Academic Highlights
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1 supports personalized learning
- 58 instructional staff with 0% holding tenured positions
- Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
- Online students primarily from PA (97% in-state)
- Strong retention rates demonstrate student satisfaction and academic support
Ready to Learn More About Academics at Reading Area Community College?
Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.