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Arcadia University

7.2(1)
VerifiedPrivate (Not for Profit)Estd. 1853
Founded
1853
Type
Private (Not for Profit)
University Guide

About Arcadia University

Explore overview, courses, fees, admissions, campus life, scholarships and student accommodation guidance in one premium Admistay guide.

Arcadia University is a prestigious private university currently enrolling around 3,700 students. The school is well known for its global studies and providing real-world learning opportunities to the students which include service-based projects, internships, and research in various fields.The University also offers more than 150 programs in over 65 fields of study to its candidates from different parts of the world at both undergraduate and graduate level.

Arcadia University admissions are offered on a rolling basis to students .The institute falls under the category of moderately selective with an acceptance rate of nearly 64%. For admission, GPA 3.7 out of 4.0 (90% - 92%), average SAT score of 1147 and English Language proficiency test scores like TOEFL or IELTS is required.

Tuition fee for undergraduate students at Arcadia is around 45,000 USD which can be quite substantial for an international student. Keeping this in mind, the college extends scholarships to overseas students in the US on merit-basis. The scholarship awards applicable towards tuition go up to 28,000 annually.

Arcadia University Ranking 

Arcadia University was ranked in the following positions by U.S. News & World Report 2023:

  • #45 in Regional Universities North
  • #16 in best undergraduate teaching
  • #98 in top performers on social mobility

According to Niche, Arcadia University ranked #48 among 1,674 most liberal colleges in America in 2023.

Highlights 

Type of University Private
Student-Faculty Ratio 13:1
Annual Acceptance Rate 65.7%
Retention Rate 78%
Basic Undergraduate Tuition Fees for International Students (Annually) 45,520 USD
Basic Graduate Tuition Fees for International Students (Annually) 31,835 USD
Test Score Accepted TOEFL/ IELTS/IETP/Duolingo
Student Enrolment 3,700
Employment rate 91%
Application Mode Online
Application Fees 25 USD
Official Website https://www.arcadia.edu/

Arcadia University Campus & Accommodation

With over 60 clubs and organisations, Arcadia University campus offers a host of opportunities and activities for students which enables them to interact and socialize with their peers. These includes the following -

  • The University also has 26 athletic teams i.e. NCAA Division III Teams. Baseball, basketball, cross-country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis, and volleyball are the men's teams.
  • Benton Spruance Art Center, Boyer Hall of Science, and New Grounds Building are among the significant structures.
  • Cultural and arts events, a multicultural menu of social, cultural, and religious activities, residence hall activities, and intercollegiate and intramural sports all provide opportunities for participation and leadership at the university.

Arcadia University Accommodation 

More than 1,200 students live in the university's residence halls as Arcadia University offers full-time housing for all its undergraduate students. However, it is not mandatory for anyone to live on-campus. One can also opt for off-campus student housing in US.

While residence halls offer the opportunity to live with only one roommate, many students share space with four or five roommates. Additionally, all All Arcadia Housing is coed by floor or wing. Some residence halls also offer coed by floor living experience. Coed Placement by room, suite or apartment will be made on request only.

  • Kistler, Dilworth, Heinz Halls- These residence halls house traditional first-year students. The Castle is the only residence hall dedicated solely to first-year students.
  • Grey Tower Castle- Men and women are housed by wing in rooms of 2 to 7 students.Common bathrooms are available in each wing. A laundry room is provided, and a microwave is available in the common lounge area.
  • Knight Hall- It is a suite style residence hall for both freshmen and returning students. It houses 5-8 upper-class students per suite. Each suite shares a bathroom, a common area with lounge furniture and a large closet.

The following are the official Undergraduate Housing Rates for 2023-24. These prices include cable, utilities, and use of the free laundry facilities:

Residence Single Double Triple
Kistler, Dilworth, and Heinz Halls 5,000 USD 4,500 3,800
Grey Tower Castles 4,500 4,500 4,500
Knight Hall 5,500 4,900 4,900

Traditional residence hall students (Castle, Kistler, Thomas, Dilworth, Heinz, and Knight Halls) have the following options:

Meal Dining Plan Price per Semester (in USD)
19 Block 2,875
14 Block 2,585
10 Block 2,375
05 Block 1,620
80 Block 1,530

Note: Arcadia University offers several dining options for both resident and commuter students such as 19, 14 and 80 Block meal plans. Under the 19 meal dining plan, students can have 19 meals per week for each semester. However, the 80 Block meal plan is for one semester whereas the other plans are for each week. It is recommended that First year resident students opt for either the 19 or 14 meal dining plan.

Arcadia University Programs

The programs offered at Arcadia University offer 35 undergraduate, 15 graduate, and 10 doctoral courses across its six schools and colleges. MBA with a Global Perspective and Masters in Health Education are two popular programs at Arcadia University. Students from 15 countries can take 140 courses at the College of Global Studies.

FYSAE (First-Year Study Abroad Experience for Spring semester in London), Preview (a credit-bearing course offered to first-year and new transfer students that includes a week abroad), summer, and year-long study abroad programs, and internships and service-learning abroad are just a few of the unique international opportunities available.

Arcadia University Application Process

At Arcadia most programs accept applications at any time of year; however, to ensure equal consideration, students should check with their program of choice for specific deadlines and otherwise use the following deadlines:

  • Fall semester—May 1
  • Spring semester—October 1

Where to Apply: Arcadia Application or Common Application

Application Fee: 25 USD

Documents Required during Application

  • Application Form
  • Official High School Transcripts
  • Scores of SAT/ACT or TOEFL/IELTS/PTE as proof of proficiency in English
  • One Letter of Recommendation
  • Declaration of Financial Support
  • Copy of Passport

Given below are the minimum English language proficiency scores accepted by the Arcadia University:

Exam Name Minimum Scores (Undergraduate) Minimum Scores (Graduate)
TOEFL 79 80
SAT/ACT 1,147/24 1,147/24
IELTS 6.0 6.5
IETP 4.5 5.5
Duolingo 100 105

Arcadia University Cost of Attendance

The following is the average yearly cost of attendance for international students enrolled at the Arcadia University, which should be taken into account while calculating the budget for studying in the United States:

Budget Items Annual Cost in USD
Tuition Fees 45,520
Fees 700
Room Charges 9,000
Board(Meal Charges 14 meals/week) 5,170
The Estimated Cost of Books 1,500
Miscellaneous 2,280
Total 64,170

Arcadia University Scholarships

At Arcadia University all accepted students will be considered for one of the merit-based scholarships listed below:

Scholarships Amount in USD
Arcadia University Distinguished Scholarship 28,000 Annually
Arcadia University Achievement Award 1,000-4,000 per academic year
Portfolio Review Award & Acting Audition Award 1,000-4,000 annually

Students after completing at least one semester at Arcadia can consider opting for scholarships like Campus Achievement Award, Arcadia Leadership Award, Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation Scholarship.

Work While Study: The campus work-study program allows students to earn up to 1,525 USD per year. Once you've been accepted to Arcadia University, you'll work with the Office of International Affairs and the Office of Student Accounts to apply for an on-campus job and a temporary Social Security number. Students work an average of 8-10 hours per week and are paid for the hours they have worked each week.

Arcadia University Alumni

Arcadia University has over 26,000 Alumni Members. Landman Library Access, Theater Discounts, and Photography Request are just a few of the perks available to the members of Alumni.

Other benefits include special hotel discounts, travel discounts, grants and fee waivers for alumni's dependent children, discounts at All Access Gym to Sweat Fitness, discounts for in-house performances, and so on.

Some of the Notable Alumni are:

  • Anna Deavere Smith- American Actress, playwright, & Professor
  • Abbey Ryan- American Painter & Educator
  • Julianne Boyd- American Theater Director & Artistic Director of Barrington Stage Company, Pittsfield, MA.

Arcadia University Placements

Graduates of Arcadia University work for the majority of the world's top corporations and earn a median salary of 44,100 USD. Salary Breakdown of Arcadia University Graduates have been given below:

Job Type Salary in USD
Human Resource Generalist 53,000
Project Manager 62,000
Administrative Assistant 38,000
Communication Specialist 38,000
Graphic Designer 47,000
Physical Therapist 75,000

Some of the top recruiting firms are: Accenture, Cooper University Healthcare, Africa Center for Strategic Progress, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Aria-Jefferson Health, Bank of America and the like

Arcadia internship programs maximize the career-building potential of students by incorporating work placements into coursework. For both summer and semester terms, there is a wide variety of internship options available.

Arcadia University provides a distinctively global, integrative, and personal learning experience for intellectually curious undergraduate and graduate students. The University has been successful in cultivating leaders who are uniquely prepared to face the multifaceted challenges of professional life.

FAQs 

Ques. What exactly Is conditional admission at Arcadia University?

Ans. In some cases, we admit applicants who do not meet admissions requirements or who have undergraduate deficiencies in the area of specialization for the degree, subject to conditions determined by the admissions committees. The applicant must meet the requirements outlined in the acceptance letter.

Ques. How can I pay my tuition fees?

Ans. Tuition payments can be made online with a credit card or an electronic check. In addition, you can pay in person at the Office of Student Accounts with a check, money order, or cash. Closer to the start of your program, you will receive detailed payment instructions.

Ques. What are the benefits of attending Arcadia University?

Ans. Arcadia University is dedicated to providing its students with a high-quality education. We prepare students to lead informed lives in a rapidly changing global society. Arcadia University has a long history of global education excellence and is ranked first in study abroad participation. The personalized attention you will receive is defined by a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1.

Ques. Will I be able to finish my degree in three or four years if I study abroad?

Ans. Our programs at the School of Global Business were designed to meet the need for students to graduate on time. See our curriculum pages for examples of how you can study abroad while still completing your degree on time.

Ques. Does Arcadia Unviversity offer any study abroad programs?

Ans. Yes, Arcadia University offers study abroad programs for first year and sophomore year students.

Courses & Fees

Compare courses in a cleaner, easier way

Explore tuition, duration, language, eligibility, and exam requirements without the clutter.

Courses

64

Fee from

₹21,06,675

Exams

GMAT · GRE

Showing 5 of 45 bachelors

Overview
Degree TypeBachelor
Duration4 years
Study ModeFull Time
LanguageEnglish
Fees
Tuition FeeINR 45.7 L/Yr
Native FeeUSD 48,760 /Yr
Estimated Total₹140445
Fee trendTuition progression
Official Program Page
Admission Guide

Admission Process

According to the Princeton Review, Arcadia University is listed as one of the ‘best in the Northeast 2023’ that offers admissions to a wide rage of undergraduate and graduate courses. The institute is a renowned name in the US Education System that currently has 3,700 students who are offered education through the six schools and colleges of the university.

Arcadia University offers admission to around 3,700 students out of which 2,300 students are enrolled in undergraduate programs and 1,400 students in graduate programs. The University received 10,216 applications in fall 2023 out of which 66% were accepted. Arcadia University has a selective acceptance rate. Accepted students had an average GPA of 3.7, the average SAT score of 1147 and an average ACT score of 24.

Some salient points regarding admissions the Arcadia University are as follows:

  • The University invites applications for the fall and spring semesters.
  • Admissions are granted on a rolling basis and therefore students can apply at any time during the year.
  • To be sure of receiving admission consideration, students must apply by May 1 for the fall semester and October 1 for the spring semester.
  • Applications will not be reviewed until all supporting documents have been received.
  • Admission decisions are notified within 3-4 weeks after completion of the application file.
  • There is no single key to a successful application. The admissions committee considers each aspect of the application before rendering an admission decision.
  • International applicants must either submit SAT/ ACT scores or proof of English language proficiency.
  • Essay is an optional document but it helps the university in understanding the applicant better.
  • 99% of full-time undergraduate students receive some or other kind of financial aid.

Highlights

Mode of Application Online
Application fee 30 USD
Acceptance rate 64%
Average SAT score 1050-1250
Average ACT score 21-27
Academic calendar Rolling
Intake Seasons Fall, Spring, Summer
Work experience Not required
Financial Aid Grant/ Scholarship aid, Student loan aid, Pell grants

Admission Deadlines

Arcadia University offers a plethora of courses for international students and is known for the students it attracts from across the globe. The University has a very flexible system for accepting applications from all sorts of categories of prospective students.

For courses other than the mentioned below, the university accepts applications all year round, thus, they have the provision for rolling admissions.

Program Intake semester Deadlines
Undergraduate course Fall Semester May 1
Spring semester October 1

International Student admissions

Application Portal: The students have to apply on Arcadia Application portal or Common Application.

Application fee: 30 USD for UG applicants, 25 USD for graduate applicants

Basic Admission requirements:

International students are more than welcome at Arcadia University. Before seeking admission into any course of their choice, it is important that the following credentials are ready to be submitted:

  • Application form, filled in with all the necessary details
  • Transcripts from the previously attended educational institution
  • English Proficiency scores
  • Scores of Entrance Exams to Study in the USA.
  • Letters of Recommendation.
  • Statement of purpose.
  • Resume or CV.
  • Portfolio Review or Acting Audition (for applicants of Fine Arts and Acting courses)

Apart from the above mentioned, an applicant is open to submitting more LOR’s from individuals of their choice (work supervisors, coaches, etc.) In the case of UG applications, the university requires them to submit their certified original or true copy of the mark sheet, translated by a licensed translator, and signed in ink.

Once admitted, international applicants (for both UG and Graduate courses) are required to submit their Declaration of Financial Support, which includes a bank account statement showing the funds to cover the annual cost of attendance and related living expenses.

The address to send in required documents is given as:

Arcadia University

Office of Enrollment Management

450 S. Easton Road

Glenside, PA 19038

USA

The documents could be emailed directly at [email protected] also.

English Proficiency Test Scores

English proficiency test scores like TOEFL, IELTS are to be submitted optionally by UG applicants (as mentioned above) and compulsorily by Graduate applicants. The following are the MINIMUM requirements:

Level TOEFL (iBT) IELTS ITEP
Undergraduate 71 (no individual section below a 17) 6.0 Band Score (no individual section below 5.0) minimum 4.5 (no section below 4.0)
Graduate 80 (no individual section below a 18) 6.5 Band Score (no individual section below 5.5) 5.5 (no section below 5.0)

Please note: TOEFL School code is 2039.

Visa Process for International Students

In order to be enrolled in a full-time course in the USA, a student (only after getting their acceptance letter from the university), is required to apply for an F-1 visa to study in the USA. One can find more information for the same at http://www.travel.state.gov/.

  • A payment of 200 USD is required from the applicants for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. Payment is done at www.fmjfee.com using a credit card. Proof of payment might be required during the interview.
  • An interview is scheduled at one’s nearest consulate or embassy. The deadline for application for the visa is 120 days prior to the start date of the program and one can enter the U.S. 30 days prior. The following things are required to be supplied during the interview:
  • A valid I-20
  • Academic records, Transcripts, Mark sheet, Certificates and/or diplomas, Standardized or English proficiency test score reports, Letter of acceptance from AU
  • Financial Documents

Arcadia University: Undergraduate admissions

A little more than 50% of the students admitted at AU are undergraduate programs of study. Specialized courses, with contemporary outlooks, are the main attraction for prospective students.

Ethnic studies, Science, Business Studies, Journalism, Homeland Security Studies, Philosophy, etc. are some of the specializations that are offered.  Some departments require a specific type of application, however, there is one common procedure that is followed by all domestic applicants, which is given as follows:

Application Portal: The students have to apply on Arcadia Application portal or Common Application.

Application Fee: The students have to pay 30 USD non-refundable fees.

Basic Admission Requirements:

  • Transcripts from high school (with all scores).
  • SAT or ACT scores.
  • Recommendation letters from a subject teacher and subject teacher.

Optional Requirements: The following documents are optional for an applicant to submit:

  • Personal essay
  • List of activities: These could be any extra-curricular activities that the applicant has engaged in, consistently over a period of time. This could include activities such as community service, leadership programs, internships, etc.
  • Portfolio Review: Applies to applicants for Fine Arts courses
  • Acting Audition: Is applicable anyone interested in Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Acting or Acting with a concentration in Musical Theater

The University’s SAT code is 2039 and the ACT code is 3524. This requirement is waived if you have been out of high school for five or more years. The transcripts should be submitted to the University’s Office of Enrolment Management.

Since the institute follows test-optional policy, SAT and ACT scores will still be accepted as part of the admission process, and students who decide not to include a standardized test with their application will submit a supplement essay, interview, video, or personal portfolio.

Arcadia University: Graduate admissions

Graduate studies overseas are something that any student dreams to get. With a range of courses to choose from, AU becomes very sought after for aspirants seeking to study in the USA. A majority of the students, who apply to Arcadia, aim to get into courses part of the Health Professions, Education psychology disciplines of study.

The basic procedure for application into a graduate course of one’s choice is given as follows:

Application Portal: Most students have to apply to the Graduate Application portal. However, some courses need a different application to be filled.

  • For the master of Public Health course: SOPHAS application.
  • Physician Assistant Master’s course
  • Physical Therapy Doctorate course: PTCAS application.

Application Fee: 25 USD has to be paid.

Basic Admission Requirements:

The table below mentions some program-specific requirements for graduate admissions.

Requirements MS in Applied Behavior Analysis MS in Forensic Science MS in Public Health
Official Transcripts Required Required Required
Letters of Recommendation Required (2 letters) Required (3 letters) Required (2 letters)
Statement of purpose Required Required Required
Additional requirements PAPA, CORE, SAT or ACT scores may be required. GRE required if GPA is less than 3.4. GRE or MCAT, Work experience required.

Transcripts and other related documents from previously attended educational institutions. The documents should be sent directly from your previous school/university to Arcadia University.

Both Undergraduate and Graduate courses attract a large number of applicants all year round from across the world to Arcadia University. The University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy has been ranked amongst the top 10% nationally ranked programs, as reported by U.S. News. Study abroad programs are also sought after to a large extent. Various sports teams have made it big on various levels of their respective games.

FAQs

Ques. Can I Defer My Admission and Start Later at Arcadia University?

Ans. If you are admitted to one of the following programs at Arcadia University , you may ask to defer your admission up to one year by writing to your program’s director:

  • Doctoral programs in education and physical therapy
  • Master’s programs in business administration, forensic science, genetic counseling, international peace and conflict resolution, and medical science (physician assistant)

However, it is important to pay the admission deposit to secure a seat.

Ques. What are the modes of payment accepted by Arcadia University?

Ans. You can make tuition payments to Arcadia University online using a credit card or electronic check. You can also pay in person at the One-Stop-Shop using a check, money order, or cash. You will receive detailed payment instructions closer to the start of your program.

Ques. How can I apply for scholarships at Arcadia University?

Ans. Arcadia University does not require any additional scholarship application. If admission is offered, then the students will automatically be eligible and reviewed for awards.

Ques. What are the minimum SAT or ACT scores accepted by Arcadia University?

Ans. Arcadia University has no minimum score but a range of scores. They look at your highest Evidence-based Reading and Writing score and highest math score. Also, they do not require the SAT Subject scores.

Ques. How can international students send admission documents?

Ans. International students can send scanned copies of admission documents via email to [email protected] or hard-copies can be mailed to the following address:

Arcadia University

Office of Enrollment Management

450 S. Easton Road

Glenside, PA 19038

USA

Ques. How many letters of recommendation do I have to submit at Arcadia University?

Ans. Arcadia University asks for one letter of recommendation i.e. either from the academic subject teacher or school counselor.

Ques. Is it necessary for all applicants to submit a portfolio review for Arcadia University?

Ans. No, a portfolio is only required for Fine Arts students.

Ques.. What is the deadline for admission at Arcadia University?

Ans: Arcadia University allows admission on a rolling basis so apply as soon as possible.

Ques. What are the minimum SAT/ ACT requirements for admission at Arcadia University?

Ans. No. There are no minimum SAT/ ACT score requirements for admission. The University evaluates applications based on multiple factors of which test scores are just one component.

Placements & Recruiters

Arcadia University Placement Details

Arcadia University in Glenside, Pennsylvania, United States placement details include salary insights, top recruiters, and hiring trends to help students understand career outcomes and campus opportunities.

Students usually compare highest package, average package, and recruiter profile before applying. This section gives a compact overview of career outcomes and placement visibility in Glenside, Pennsylvania, United States.

Recruiters
N/A
Salary Metrics
0/2
Placement Metric

Highest Package

N/A

Represents the top salary package reported in the available placement information.

Placement Metric

Average Package

N/A

Shows the typical package range students may expect based on the available average salary data.

Placement information is currently limited.

More salary or recruiter data may be updated later for this college.

Rankings over the years

Year-wise highlights from global and country rankings available for this university.

2023

Highlights
2023
  • Education: #62 in country
  • Top source: US News
  • 1 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Education
  • 1 ranking record in 2023

2024

Highlights
2024
  • Education: #50 in country
  • Top source: US News
  • 1 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Education
  • 1 ranking record in 2024

2025

Highlights
2025
  • Education: #43 in country
  • Top source: US News
  • 1 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Education
  • 1 ranking record in 2025

Contact Information

450 S. Easton Road, Glenside, PA 19038

+1-215-572-2900

Student Reviews & Ratings

Overall sentiment and category-wise rating summary

Overall score

7.2/10
Top Rated

Based on 1 rating

Rating Breakdown

Visual summary of rating distribution and categories

Live Summary
Academic
7.0/10
Faculty
7.0/10
Infrastructure
7.0/10
Accommodation
7.0/10
Placement
6.0/10
Extracurricular
9.0/10