Arcadia University
Arcadia University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Arcadia University at a Glance
Arcadia University is a private university in Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania, United States, with a Glenside mailing address. The university enrolls approximately 3,200 undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students. The 94-acre Glenside campus features Grey Towers Castle, a National Historic Landmark; the university also includes a campus in Christiana, Delaware, as well as several centers around the world.
1853
173 years old
$63M
$63.4 million (2025)
3,026
94 acres
Identity
Is Arcadia University Worth It?
At a value score of 32/100, Arcadia University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $58,336 — 8% above average — while paying $29,466/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 65% graduation rate means roughly 35% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Arcadia University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Arcadia University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in PA
Ranked #113 of 173 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Detroit Mercy | 79 | $15,232 | $71,030 |
| #2 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #3 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #4 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #5 | Regis University | 60 | $18,397 | $72,105 |
| #6 | Pacific Lutheran University | 60 | $19,589 | $66,990 |
| #113 | Arcadia University | 32 | $29,466 | $58,336 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Arcadia University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 22 in PA.
Best Programs at Arcadia University
The highest-earning program at Arcadia University is Computer and Information Sciences, General at $46,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Communication and Media Studies at $18,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer and Information Sciences, General graduate from Arcadia University earns $46,700, while a Communication and Media Studies graduate earns $18,900. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Communication and Media Studies.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $29,466/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $46,700 | $46,700 | $27,000 |
| International Business | $39,500 | $39,500 | $27,000 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $36,600 | $36,600 | $25,250 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $35,200 | $35,200 | N/A |
| Design and Applied Arts | $33,900 | $33,900 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General | $28,800 | $28,800 | $27,000 |
| Biology, General | $28,100 | $28,100 | $27,000 |
| Criminology | $24,400 | $24,400 | $27,000 |
| International/Global Studies | $22,900 | $22,900 | $23,801 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $22,000 | $22,000 | $27,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $18,900 | $18,900 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in PA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Glenside, PA
- Student Body
- 1,948 students
- Admission Rate
- 80%
- Graduation Rate
- 65%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $29,466
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $58,336
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000