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Arcadia University
Most applicants get into Arcadia University — 80.2% were admitted — so the real questions are cost, fit and outcomes, covered below.
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Arcadia University occupies suburban Glenside, PA — a private campus quieter than a downtown one, closer to one than a rural seat. The school maintains its Presbyterian Church (USA) affiliation, which threads through campus life to a degree that varies by program.
Its highest-earning path is Computer and Information Sciences, General, where graduates median $86,116 four years out. Faculty pay averages $106,248 a year here — a rough proxy for what the school spends on the teaching itself. With 1,948 undergraduates and a residential core, weekends happen on campus — and 78.8% of first-years come back for a second year.
Submitters admitted here typically landed between 1083 and 1310 — near the PA middle for four-year schools. Put your own practice estimate on Arcadia University's range with the SAT calculator, or bring a saved GPA from the grade tools.
Admissions
Scores help here but aren't the gate. If your SAT sits inside the 1083–1310 submitter range, sending it likely helps; below it, Arcadia University's own policy says you can leave it out.
| Score | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Reading & Writing | 553 | 600 | 650 |
| SAT Math | 530 | 595 | 660 |
| ACT Composite | 26 | 28 | 30 |
Percentiles are among students who submitted scores (Fall 2023 admissions cycle).
In the Fall 2023 cycle, Arcadia University received 6,688 applications and admitted 5,296 (79.2%), with 420 enrolling.
How Arcadia University compares
| Arcadia University | Pennsylvania median | National median | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 80.2% | 82% | 77.2% |
| Tuition (in-state) | $49,610 | $33,730 | $19,591 |
| Median earnings (10 yr) | $58,336 | $62,101 | $53,781 |
Ten years out, Arcadia University's median earnings are $58,336 — below the Pennsylvania benchmark of $62,101. Weigh that against the $49,610 price above; the by-major table shows majors drive much of this gap.
Cost, size & completion
Arcadia University lists tuition at $49,610 for everyone — private schools don't do residency pricing. Arcadia University's sticker and net price can differ sharply after aid; treat $49,610 as the ceiling, not the bill.
With 1,948 undergraduates, Arcadia University is small enough that class size and faculty access are structural, not marketing claims.
66.7% graduate within six years. Roughly 33% don't — ask a Arcadia University tour guide what happens to them and watch the answer carefully.
Top majors by earnings at Arcadia University
| Bachelor's program | Median earnings, 4 yrs after completion |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $86,116 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $73,901 |
| Biology, General | $73,377 |
| Mathematics | $66,995 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $59,441 |
| International Business | $58,788 |
| History | $56,331 |
| Psychology, General | $55,517 |
| International/Globalization Studies | $53,307 |
| Criminology | $47,772 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $40,802 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $40,740 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $39,087 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $37,489 |
Median earnings for these 14 Arcadia University programs come from a different federal cohort than the campus-wide $58,336 above — compare rows to each other, not to that 10-year figure. 34 additional Arcadia University programs have earnings withheld under federal privacy rules.
Frequently asked questions
What GPA and test scores do you need for Arcadia University?
Among admitted students who submitted scores, the middle 50% scored 1083–1310 on the SAT. There's no published GPA cutoff — pair these ranges with the 80.2% admission rate to judge your odds.
What is Arcadia University's acceptance rate?
79.2% in the Fall 2023 cycle — 5,296 admitted from 6,688 applicants.
How much does Arcadia University cost?
At Arcadia University, published tuition is $49,610 — net price after aid usually comes in lower. That number is Arcadia University's ceiling, not a quote.
What do Arcadia University graduates earn?
Federal data puts median earnings at $58,336 ten years after enrolling. The table above breaks this down by major.
Similar colleges in Pennsylvania
- DeSales University — 77.1% admitted
- Cedar Crest College — 84.1% admitted
- Chatham University — 62% admitted
- Chestnut Hill College — 74.5% admitted
Run your own numbers
Data: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (Jun 2026), IPEDS ADM2023/HD2024. Retrieved 2026-09-01. Figures reflect the latest federal cohorts, which lag the current admissions cycle.